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BOARDMAN -- Boardman Park's 19th annual Holiday Light Display is up and running, offering a family fun, drive-thru event.
The display is set up along the main drive of the park, entering off U.S. Route 224, and features 23 light displays set to music.
The display took more than 10 days to set up, and depended a lot on having the right weather. The work was done by the park's grounds crew. Some of the taller light displays had to be anchored to protect against winter winds.
The synchronized display consists of a 25-foot lighted tree and four "singing" Christmas trees set up on and around the Maag Outdoor Arts Theatre. Those touring the displays can tune to 88.9 FM as they enter the park.
Visitors also are encouraged to park across from the light show in the theater parking lot to enjoy the entire show, so as not to block traffic on the Park Drive. The light display is free and open 5 to 10 p.m. every day until Jan. 10.
Dan Slagle, Boardman Park executive director, recommends pulling into the Maag lot to enjoy the show. "It is most entertaining, with your favorite Christmas music to get you in the spirit of the season," he said.
TIGHT BUDGET
There are no new displays in the collection this year as the park was dealing with a rather tight budget. The effects of the pandemic have made a dent in the park's revenue.
"We had to close our indoor rooms from March through some of June, and cancel all our programs for the year, which resulted in a loss of 15 percent of the park's income," Slagle said.
The park's annual income varies. On average it is about $1.3 million to $1.4 million per year, so, 15 percent equates to a loss of about $200,000.
About 65 percent of the park's annual income comes from voted levies; the rest comes from reservations and programs, which help stabilize the budget -- and is where this year's loss has occurred.
"Fortunately, for the benefit of the community, we were able to keep our outdoor recreational facilities open, especially our trails," Slagle said. "It was very important that the park remain open for people in this difficult time because the great outdoors provide healthy recreational opportunities."
As for 2021, Slagle said he hasn't made any plans just yet for the 20th annual light show.
"I haven't given it much thought, with the understanding that we are still dealing with a health crisis. My main focus is to keep the park operating safely for the benefit of the community," he said.
For more information on this year's light show and upcoming park events, contact the park office at 330-726-8105 or visit www.boardmanpark.com.
jtwhitehouse@tribtoday.com