| Weekend Numbers Higher for Light Up Middletown |
| Monday, December 1, 2008 11:14:17 AM - Middletown Ohio |
For more information call: Ann Mort at (513) 649-4506/email Rmort@cinci.rr.com or Florella Randall at (513) 423-1877.
FIRST WEEKEND NUMBERS SLIGHTLY HIGHER AT LIGHT UP MIDDLETOWN
The 10th Light Up Middletown began with 5,925 people in 1,604 vehicles touring the fantasy light display at Smith Park in downtown Middletown during the Friday to Sunday opening weekend. The numbers are up slightly from 2007 numbers which were 5,391 guests in 1,536 vehicles. Opening weekend records were set in 2002 when 6,755 people toured in 2,010 vehicles. The 2008 numbers are second highest for the 10 year event.
From Friday at 6 pm, following the downtown holiday parade, a steady stream of vehicles toured the growing display of deer leaping over the roadway, a 40 foot tunnel of lights, Santa’s workshop and many other animated light displays.
Guests are greeted by volunteers at the entrance to the driving tour who count the number of people in each vehicle and inquire where they are from. From that data the Light Up Middletown organizers can better target advertising and measure economic impact on the community. From first-weekend statistics, it was found that 72 percent of the guests were from Butler County, 15 percent from Warren, 10 percent from all other Ohio counties and 3 percent from other states and countries – including one from Germany.
Light Up Middletown will be open every night from 6 pm to 10 pm, regardless of the weather, including all holidays, through New Year’s Eve. Admission is by donation, “You set the price.”
To reach Light Up Middletown, take exit 32 off I-75 and follow the signs to downtown Middletown and Smith Park. The park is just off SR4 and 73/Verity Parkway, at 500 Tytus Avenue.
Tuesday, December 2, from 6:15 to 9:15 pm, eleven local hot air balloonists, led by Dr. Mark Frazer, will perform a balloon glow imbedded within the light displays. This unusual balloon glow will appear at three locations throughout the driving tour as giant holiday lights flickering in the night sky.
For additional information call 513-423-1877 or 513-649-4506.
Light Up Middletown
Florella Randall, Chairperson
4931 Riverview Avenue
Middletown, OH 45042-4012
Phone: 513-423-1877
Committee members:
Larry Biltz, Vice chairman
George Brecht, Treasurer
Ann Mort, Secretary/Communications
Barney Strassburger, Site Manager
Perry Thatcher, Business Advisor
John Ridge, Business Advisor
Ginger Smith, City of Middletown
Frankie Carlson, Board Member
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