Our first meeting of the new year brought plenty of reflection, heartwarming moments, and even a special guest.
Adding to the joy of the morning, we welcomed our youngest Rotarian Riot Harvey, in attendance—a tiny visitor who quickly became the center of attention. In true Rotary fashion, Andy Hamilton stepped in with his well‑honed calming skills and had the little one fast asleep in no time, providing a perfect moment of levity and connection.
The Lights in the Park committee met on January 7 to celebrate a successful 2025 season and begin planning for 2026. The group agreed the event drew strong community support and positive feedback, with Santa’s nightly visits and vibrant social media engagement being standout highlights.
Looking ahead, the team plans to enhance the experience with more lighting—especially net lights and additional string lights—along with expanded music, improved displays, and clearer signage about donations.
The committee also reviewed logistics, sponsorship updates, and plans for 2026 VIP Night, noting nearly 40 sponsors contributed about $29,000 this season
Key dates for 2026 are already set:
- Nov 28: Tree setup
- Dec 5: Park setup
- Dec 10: VIP Night
- Dec 11–24: Event nights
With fresh ideas and strong community backing, Lights in the Park is set to shine even brighter next year.
It was a warm and meaningful start to 2026, reminding us of the impact our projects have and the strength of our Rotary family.