Posted: 7:00 a.m.Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015

Light Up Middletowngears up for 17th season

By Rick McCrabb

Staff Writer

MIDDLETOWN — 

Organizersof a holiday drive-through lights display at Smith Parkhope attendance continues to grow this year.

LightUp Middletown attracted more than 74,000 visitors last year, an increase of 19percent from 2013, organizers said. The total attendance and the daily average(2,115) both were all-time records for Light Up Middletown, which started in1999.

Whilethe number of visitors has risen, those guests are coming from outside Butler County.In 2010, more than 66 percent of the visitors said they resided in Butler County,but last year the percentage dropped to 59. More visitors from Montgomery Countyare driving to Middletownevery year, organizers said.

Thisyear’s Light Up Middletown, the 17th edition, begins Nov. 26, Thanksgivingnight, and runs through New Year’s Eve. The display is open every night from 6to 10 p.m., regardless of weather, including holidays. The display has onlyclosed twice in its 16-year history due to inclement weather.

Admissionto the event is by donation and proceeds are used to purchase new displays,make repairs to the displays and add electrical service at the public park,said Florella Randall, founder of Light Up Middletown. The storage barn alsowas expanded with proceeds from last year to allow a place to keep thedisplays, said Barney Strassburger, site manager.

Ofthe 74,039 people who drove through the display last year, the average donationwas 80 cents per person.

Inthe first 16 years, Light Up has seen more than 800,000 visitors to Smith Park.The display also has been the site of several engagements and a wedding or two,organizers said.

TheGrandpa Gang, a group of about 20 community volunteers, have begun erecting thelight displays throughout the park.

Thereare several special events planned this year during Light Up Middletown.

Theannual hot air balloon glow is set for 7:15 to 8 p.m. Dec. 3, weatherpermitting. Santa and Mrs Claus will be on hand to talk to children from 7 to 9p.m. every Friday and Saturday through Christmas. Photos are available at $10each or two of the same pose for $15.

Asguests enter the park, volunteers from area non-profit organizations; MiddletownHigh School Musical Arts, Boy Scout Leaders/Parents, Bulls Run Arboretum, andAmerican Association of University Women, will ask where guests are from andhow many people are in the vehicle. They will also distribute a brochure withcoupons and advertisements from area restaurants.

FollowLight Up Middletown on Facebook or at www.lightupmiddleteown.org.

HOW TO GO

WHAT: Light Up Middletown,a drive-through holiday light display

WHEN: 6 to 10 p.m. daily, Nov. 26 through Dec. 31

WHERE: Smith Park,located at Tytus Avenueand Verity Parkway,downtown Middletown

COST: By donation

  A Big Thank You to all the volunteers who light up our holiday season.