Lighting up the night; Riverside Holiday Lights bring spirit of holidays to Nekoosa
By City Times staff
NEKOOSA – A local community project is lighting up the night and bringing the spirit of the holiday season to Nekoosa.
“It was something that I brought to the city council,” said Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Vice President Krista Coon, “this is the fourth year for Riverside Park Holiday Lights in Riverside Park, Nekoosa.”
Coon said that the idea came from a Madison display she visited.
“I had been through Olin Park in Madison and thought we can do something like that here in Nekoosa,” she said. “Nekoosa is my hometown and they have a great Riverside Park and it has a drive through area, so (I) thought it would be perfect. We started with about 25 units and are up to about 45 units.”
She said that it is a great community project that is coordinated with a lot of local assistance.
“The city of Nekoosa City Crew has been great to work with they put up most of the lights and help with anything that is needed for the event,” Coon added. “We have had Nekoosa High School students help with wrapping some of the trees.”
The lighting is kicked off the first Saturday of December, during the city’s Nekoosa Area Hometown Christmas and runs until Jan. 1, with the lights visible from dusk until dawn.
“It has been a great addition to the community and to the Christmas season,” Coon said.
In addition, several events are hosted there during the holiday season. On Dec. 20, 5-6:30 p.m., Santa & Mrs. Claus will be at the park with cookies.
“My hope is to grow this into having a different group or organization help on weekends,” Coon explained. “Maybe a live nativity, carolers and bands, horse drawn wagon rides, etc… to help support the holiday/Christmas lights in the park.”
Anyone interested in assisting can contact Coon at 715-423-1830 or [email protected].
The park is located at Prospect Avenue and Eighth Street in Nekoosa.