The fantasy drive-through display in Smith Park, downtown Middletown, will light up Friday, November 27 at 6 pm. Light Up Middletown will begin its 11th year the day after Thanksgiving and run every night 6-10 pm through New Year’s Eve—regardless of weather, including all holidays.
The very affordable (admission by donation of any amount) family tour around the 100 acre park includes the new candy-cane lane entrance, the tunnel of lights, floating sea serpent, huge Santa’s Workshop, penguin village, airplane, hot air balloon and much, much more –all in animated lights.
Every Friday and Saturday evening through December 19, from 7 to 9 pm, Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet children in the Santa House. Photos with Santa are available ($10 suggested donation for photo.)
Motor coaches, team or senior citizen buses and motor homes are welcome. All arches accommodate the large vehicles.
On Tuesday, December 8, the annual hot air balloon glow will be a special addition to the Light Up Middletown display. Ten hot air balloons will inflate and “glow” as giant holiday ornaments. Entertainment and food booths will also be on site for that one evening – 7-8:30 pm.
To reach Smith Park, take I-75, Exit 32 and follow SR 122 to downtown Middletown or follow the special Light Up Middletown signs from all City entrances. The park address is 500 Tytus Avenue.
Light Up Middletown is constructed, repaired, replaced and maintained throughout the month-long event by a group of volunteers known as the Grandpa Gang. This is the second year of a conversion program exchanging incandescent bulbs with the newer, lower electric useage LED bulbs. With the assistance of local businesses with specialized lift equipment such as SK Construction and the City of Middletown, these 17 men work from mid October up to the 6 pm start time on November 27 making the display a top quality event with a new and different look every year. Volunteers from local non-profit organizations are at the gate every evening to greet guests entering the park.
Chairperson Florella Randall who instigated and has led the event from its beginning stresses that “This is an event meant to be something that will draw people to Middletown. We keep the entrance fee as a donation so that everybody can attend, again and again, regardless of their economic status. We know it has some impact on the local economy since we see so many families entering the park with bags and cups from the nearby fast food restaurants.”
For additional information call Flo Randall at 513-423-1877 or 513-267-2789.
