Volunteers check the lights at St. Mary’s Fieldhouse before rewinding back onto spools in prep for next season’s set up.
Drew Sprenger and Katie Trebesch helped with the take down process.
COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on many activities this past year but the Sleepy Eye Holiday Lights in Motion display was not one of its victims. In fact, the pandemic was the reason the event had a record season and organizers decided to extend the season nine additional nights to January 10.
Over 22,000 vehicles passed through the loop during the 46 days the park was lit. That total nearly doubled last year’s numbers. The busiest night came on December 12 when 1300 vehicles visited.
““It was especially fun to see the kids come through with their heads popped through the car sunroofs. The expressions on their faces were priceless. I wish we could do an actual head count,” said committee member Shari Hittesdorf, “On the busy nights, most vehicles had three or more people inside. And we saw several buses drive through too.”
“We know the event brought customers to our local businesses also,” continued Hittesdorf. “We specifically heard from employees at Casey’s and Dairy Queen, we were told they were crazy busy on Friday and Saturday nights.”
Due to the large number of visitors, traffic control was necessary on a few of the busiest nights. To prevent back up on Highway 4, vehicles were re-routed to the Divine Providence Service.
“This was a challenge, but thanks to some dedicated volunteers, it was very efficient,” said organizers.
Santa’s mailbox was also very popular with 186 letters sent to the North Pole.
The lights came down at the park last weekend and thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers, the strings have been been wound back onto spools in preparation for next season’s set up.
“This season was especially gratifying because all the hard work paid off with a safe place for families to visit during the pandemic,” said Hittesdorf. “In a trying time, we feel our event offered some joy to all ages.”
Despite the successful year, the board is hopeful next season returns to normal and they are again able to offer their special event nights including rides and concessions. The Holiday Lights in Motion committee won’t take much time off, planning for the 2021 season will begin at their next board meeting in February.
