‘Light Up the Park’ Goes Dark In Avon Lake
Annual tradition comes to an end; mayor seeks to continue and expand new tradition.
The lights have dimmed on an annual Avon Lake tradition. “Light Up The Park,” which featured complimentary hot chocolate, a DJ, and Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving by fire truck to Bleser Park which was lit up with holiday lights by night’s end, has been put on an indefinite hiatus.
Mayor Greg Zilka said the city will refocus on touring holiday displays locally.
“In year’s past, the reaction from adults and children when the lights were turned on was underwhelming,” Zilka said.
He said the reaction from some attendees was, “Is this all there is?”
“We have far more impressive displays around the community,” Zilka said.
Instead, the city is hosting a bus tour during the evening hours of Dec. 14 of some of the city’s most festively lie homes and businesses. The evening starts with dinner at the Old Firehouse Community Center followed by the tour and then cookies at the Old Firehouse.
“We have about 75 people booked,” Zilka said of the event. “It’s sold out.”
Zilka said he’d like to build on the concept next year, noting it would be nice to end the tour with dinner at an Avon Lake restaurant and support local business.
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In This article
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Bleser Park
32800 Electric Blvd, Avon Lake, OH -
City of Avon Lake - City Government
150 Avon Belden Rd, Avon Lake, OH -
Avon Lake Old Firehouse Community Center
100 Avon Belden Rd, Avon Lake, OH -
Kimber Malloy
7:32 am on Friday, December 14, 2012
Kelli-CHILL. It was lame AND you can get in your car and drive around to see lights. Then have some Christmas cheer.
Theresa Baker
8:31 am on Friday, December 14, 2012
It was quite a disappointment to find out that "Light up the Park" was cancelled. Our family has enjoyed it the past two years and seeing the lights kept on through the holiday season bringing joy to our town. As for Mayor Zilka's comment from people describing the event as "underwhelming" I must disagree. I found that my young children were delighted in seeing the lights turned on and participating in the many activities that were available. What message are we sending our children when something as simple as decorated trees, caroling, hot chocolate, and participating in Christmas crafts is "underwhelming"?
Our family has also participated in the city bus tour with dinner at the firehouse. Without a doubt the event was fun. However, one must consider cost. Free(Light up the Park) versus $12 for anyone 13 and up(City bus tour), $6 for children ages 3-12. For my family that comes to $72. The bus tour is something that was nice to do, but only once. We can easily spend the time driving in our van touring the city taking in the sights. If it is cost that was a factor in the Mayor's decision to not have Bleser lit up then perhaps a small fee to offset could be suggested, I certainly would contribute.
75 people are enjoying the tour this weekend, but what about the thousands that are missing out on the display in our city? Will the city not at least decorate the park for all to enjoy? Thank you.
Chris
8:43 am on Friday, December 14, 2012
It was never about the lack of lights that the city displayed. Sure, there weren't many lights compared to just about any household display...
The lights were really a VERY small part of the CELEBRATION that all involved looked forward to.
I'm sure there will be another CELEBRATION created that will allow citizens to CELEBRATE Christmas TOGETHER. Christmas is a holiday that should not be spent ALONE...
Kathy Malcomson
10:31 am on Friday, December 14, 2012
Talk about 'underwhelming'--a bus tour for 75 people doesn't seem like much of a community holiday event!
Dave
10:46 am on Friday, December 14, 2012
Lets see ... 75 people go on bus tour that was really not publicized . VS several hundred who in the past enjoyed a "free" event.
Hmmm.....
I have an idea-- let's spend say 1000 on more lights for blesser park and light it up so its NOT underwhelming, and so hundreds of folks can enjoy! I'd be more than willing to chip in the first 20!
Kelli Bodey
11:47 am on Saturday, December 15, 2012
Ditto.. and I, the second $20.
Bob Mariner
1:04 pm on Friday, December 14, 2012
Can you say "Agenda 21"?
lorie
4:57 pm on Saturday, December 15, 2012
My kids looked forward to seeing SANTA coming on the fire truck!! they thought is was the best part. Everyday we drive by and they say why isnt santa coming this year.? what do you tell them? And for the tour not many ppl have the money to spend for it. Thats why as a family we enjoyed the park together!!