This year’s Community Holiday Light Show not only garnered record attendance, but it will give back a record $8,500 to the community. The total was an increase $2,500 from the previous event.
Volunteer groups working the gate and directing traffic at the show each night earn money for their organization. This year, these groups will receive $5,500 for their efforts during the event.
The remaining $3,000 will go to non-profit groups on behalf of the best-in-show winners, which were:
- First place, Old Dutch West Main Street, $1,200 to be donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital
- Second place, Riverbend Fire Department, $900 to be donated to the fire department
- Third place, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co, $600 to be donated to the United Way
- Fourth place, Pansies Team, $300 to be donated to the American Cancer Society.
The show opened on Dec. 12 and continued nightly through Christmas Day, with the exception of Christmas Eve. In its third year, the show's popularity surged, with a 60 percent increase in attendance. Nearly 3,000 cars and buses carried an estimated 9,600 people to Ballou Park during the 13-night event.
The displays in the show are built by volunteers, organizations, civic groups and families. There is no cost to enter a display. Builders have the opportunity, however, to earn money for an organization or non-profit of their choosing. Each display is entered into the best of show contest and visitors to the park cast votes for their favorite displays.