The Hidden Heroes of Christmas in the Sky
By Adam Bailey
In a corner table in downtown Shreveport, Pam Atchison sips her coffee, her eyes twinkling. As the Chief Implementor” behind the biennial gala known as “Christmas in the Sky,” she’s about to orchestrate her final act—transforming Louisiana Downs into a Vegas Strip spectacle that would make even the Rat Pack swoon.
It’s 8 AM on a crisp October morning. While most of Shreveport is just beginning to stir, Atchison is already holding court. The Glass Hat, an unlikely venue to discuss this multimillion- dollar gala, provides the perfect backdrop to discuss this year’s event.
“Christmas in the Sky isn’t just a party,” Atchison proclaims, her voice carrying the gravel of someone who has spent years rallying troops of volunteers and sweet-talking sponsors. “It’s a love letter to the arts, written in neon and sequins.”
This year on December 14th, Louisiana Downs will metamorphose into a playground that would make even the most jaded Vegas veteran do a double take. Under the theme “It’s Vegas, Baby!”, it promises to be a fever dream of flamingos, Elvis impersonators, and high-stakes glamour. While visions of neon lights and thrills dance in attendees’ heads, SB is pulling back the curtain on the real jackpot—the tireless creative minds who transform this vision into reality.
At the helm of this creative juggernaut is Sandi Kallenberg—Chairman of the Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC). According to Atchison, “Sandi created the first gala in 1982 and has been the visionary for each Christmas in the Sky gala since then.” Alongside her, Sandi’s daughter-inlaw, Heidi Kallenberg, serves as the Chairman of Christmas in the Sky (SKY).
Elizabeth Kennedy and Ro White serve as Co-Chairs, forming a triumvirate of leadership that keeps this massive undertaking on track. “It’s like conducting an orchestra,” Atchison explains. “Every section needs to be in perfect harmony for the magic to happen, and these ladies do a magnificent job! I am merely the Chief Implementor!”
The Management Team—the unsung heroes of the fundraising efforts— work tirelessly behind the scenes. Caroline Marston-Brazzel chairs the Sponsorships Committee, with Kelsey Kiper as her right hand. “Securing sponsorships is an art form in itself. It’s about building relationships and showing potential sponsors the impact their support has on our community.”
Gail Brown oversees the Auction Committee with Caroline Smith, and Brittany Mudd has the monumental task of curating over 1,000 items that will tempt and tantalize bidders throughout the night. “We’re not just selling items,” Atchison insists. “We’re selling experiences, memories, and the chance to be part of something bigger than ourselves.”
For the oenophiles, Mark McKay and Rick Simpson oversee the Wine Auction, ensuring that the libations are as exquisite as the event itself. Margaret Green, heads the Collectibles Auction, bringing a touch of nostalgia and rarity to the bidding frenzy. Henry Price, President of the Shreveport Regional Arts Council, provides crucial leadership and support to the entire team.
Since its inception, Christmas in the Sky has been the lifeblood of SRAC’s free community arts programs— pumping a staggering $20 million into the local economy. “We’re not just throwing a party,” Atchison insists, her eyes blazing with the fervor of a tenured veteran who has decades of experience. “We’re building a legacy. Every kid who picks up a paintbrush because of our programs, every mural that brightens a forgotten corner of the city—that’s the real jackpot.”
For Atchison, this hasn’t been “just a job” for the past 42 years—it’s been a calling. “The magic of Christmas in the Sky is that it’s a blank canvas for creativity. We give our artists a theme and then let their imaginations run wild. The results are always beyond our wildest dreams.”
Speaking of artists, the Production Team is where the rubber meets the road—or in this case, where the glitter meets the dance floor. Led by veteran Sky Design Chair Linda B. Goldsberry and Co-Chair Donna Poimboeuf, this team is responsible for transforming Louisiana Downs into a Vegas wonderland. “Linda will make a cardboard box look like the Bellagio, when given half a chance,” Atchison confides with a grin.
Bruce Allen, Kyle Martin, and Peter Lyons and will construct the sets upon which a team of thirty designers will create the magic. This trio ensures that every light shines just right, every sound cue hits its mark, and every special effect leaves the audience gasping in awe. “We’re the guys who make sure the magic doesn’t break,” Allen quips. “If we do our job right, no one even knows we’re there.”
As Atchison paints a picture of the night itself, the excitement is palpable. Guests will experience the mystique of Cirque d’ Sky performers, while the 24 Karat Club Live Auction gives high rollers a chance to flex their philanthropic muscles. “Sherry Hill sprinkles Stardust throughout, adding just the right touch of magic, while Bruce Allen channels the daredevil spirit of ‘Evil’ Knievel. Richea and Michael Corbin create romance at the Elvis Chapel of Love, and John Lomax introduces a vibrant vibe at the Lizard Lounge—a spot that is going to make people forget they’re in Louisiana,” she says, ticking off names and themes. Each themed area is a world unto itself, crafted by a team of visionary designers. Patrons will explore dazzling realms where creativity knows no bounds!
Mark Crawford and John Stevens kick things off at the entry with a flamingofilled fantasia that’s so vibrant, even the birds are ready to party. Bruce Allen and Kyle Martin are serving up the ultimate Vegas experience with their dazzling concepts for ‘IT’S VEGAS BABY!’, the Boneyard, Cirque D’ Sky, and the Rat Pack Room—because who doesn’t want to feel like a star? Nostalgia hits hard with Michal Ann McGill, Amanda Chamberlain, and Nikki Connor as they revive the glitz of Vintage Vegas, while Jackie Barber and David Jerrett roll the dice on luck at their casino creation—may the odds be ever in your favor! Floyd and Gaye Sterling bring whimsy with ‘Grapes and Drapes,’ and Cynthia LaChappelle and Brenda Marengo promise circus-style antics with ‘Circus Circus!’
Love is in the air with Alicia Smith and Vincent Smith’s ‘That’s Amore,’ and KaDavien Baylor dares you to take on the ‘Card Sharks’—just don’t forget to keep your poker face! Jason Brown and Melissa Albritton will take you on a wild ride to another dimension with ‘Area 51…Out of this World Art!’ while Sir Kevin and Janet Wolf launch us into the cosmos with ‘Lunar Lunacy.’ Finally, Renae Brittenham is revving up excitement at the ‘24 Karat Club Live Auction,’ where bidding wars are just part of the fun!
The culinary experience is just as carefully orchestrated. Food Director Chef Ryan Gillespie is curating a menu that would make any Vegas connoisseur jealous. Chef Ryan has selected a 5-star lineup of area celebrity chefs and is assisted by SKY Event Manager Exzavia Mitchel to bring the flavors of the Strip to SKY from high-end cuisine to comfort food favorites, every bite is designed to transport the guests to Sin City with “sin”sationally delicious offerings. Let us not forget the entertainment, which rivals a Vegas showroom, featuring the COZMOPOLITANZ band from Jackson, Mississippi, DJ Hot Boy Yoshi, breakdancers, singers, dancers from Northwestern State University, and a cadre of performers from Spinner Entertainment.
All in all, there are over 500 designers and volunteers helping pull this off. The Krewe of Elders, a key volunteer group for Christmas in the Sky, has even adopted the event as their major “community give back.” They work every Wednesday (starting in July) to help with the SKY’s sets and props. But beneath the glitz and glamour lies a deeper purpose. The event funds arts education, public art installations, and supports local artists. For instance, ArtBreak, a festival showcasing student art, receives significant funding from the gala’s proceeds. Atchison’s eyes light up as she describes the recently installed Bakowski Bridge of Lights, where students learn to create light shows that illuminate the Texas Street Bridge. “You should see these kids,” she confesses, her voice softening with pride. “They’re coding, they’re storytelling, they’re lighting up the sky. And it all starts here, with one ‘phantasmagorical’ night in December.”
The commitment to the art’s community is evident in every aspect of the event. Local restaurants and mixologists collaborate on themed menus that would make any Vegas sommelier jealous. Area musicians and performers spend months perfecting acts that will keep the party going until the wee hours. Even the silent auction items— always a highlight of the night— showcase the best of local artisans alongside luxury experiences and coveted memorabilia.
As our conversation winds down, Atchison reflects on her impending retirement. In May 2024, she stepped down as the Executive Director of SRAC to focus all her energy on this year’s Christmas in the Sky. Current Executive Director of SRAC, Rebecca Bonnevier, a woman with twenty-four years of experience in “big name entertainment” will completely take over the reins of SRAC, which includes all future planning for Christmas in the Sky, on December 30, 2024. “Rebecca’s gonna knock ‘em dead,” Atchison says with a mix of pride and nostalgia. “But this last Sky—it’s bittersweet. What a way to go out, though … surrounded by 2,500 of my closest friends, all dressed to the nines and ready to dance the night away.”
As we prepare to leave, Atchison pauses. “You know, people ask me why I do this. Why put in all this work for one night? But it’s not about the one night. It’s about the next day and the day after that. It’s about a kid seeing their first musical performance, and an artist selling their first piece. It’s about making sure that in Shreveport, the sky’s always the limit.”
With that, she’s gone, swept out into the Shreveport morning, leaving behind the faint scent of ambition and creativity. In just a few weeks, she’ll preside over a spectacle that would make Sinatra himself tip his hat. But for now, she’s off to rally her troops— over 500 volunteers—to transform a racetrack into a wonderland, and to prove that sometimes, the house doesn’t always win- –sometimes, the whole community does.
One thing is abundantly clear—at this year’s Christmas in the Sky, Shreveport is going all in on the arts. And with Pam Atchison at the helm one last time, it’s a sure bet that this event will be the jackpot this city has been waiting for. What happens at Christmas in the Sky stays at Christmas in the Sky. Unless, of course, you’re talking about the memories, the inspiration, and the lasting impact on Shreveport’s vibrant arts scene.
