by Ann Mort
Opening weekend drew 5,391 people in 1,536 vehicles to see the sparkling lights and animated displays of Light Up Middletown.
Guests were greeted by members of the Middletown High School Musical Arts Association who gathered data from each driver entering Smith Park in downtown Middletown. As guests made donations to support the event and make improvements to Middletown parks, they were asked their county of residence.
Those visiting on Friday, Saturday and Sunday were: 75% from Butler County, 13% from Warren County, 9% from other Ohio counties and 3% from other states.
Light Up Middletown is a drive-through fantasy light display set in the 100 acre park. The lights are on every evening 5:30-9:30 pm, regardless of the weather, holidays included, through New Year’s Eve. Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet children in the special Santa House on Fridays and Saturdays through 12/22. Photos are available.
For one special evening, the Middletown Journal’s Holiday Balloon Glow will join Light Up Middletown with their annual hot air balloon display on Thursday, December 6.
The growing number of Light Up Middletown’s themed displays include the tunnel of lights entrance, Santa and his sleigh, a penguin village, swans floating on the fishing lake, a sea serpent, deer leaping over the roadway, butterfly forest and many more. New this year, is a 139 foot long by 24 foot tall Santa’s Workshop display.
To visit the display, take I-75, Exit 32 and follow the signs or enter via SR 4/73/Verity Parkway. The park is at 500 Tytus Avenue, adjacent to the Middletown Hook Field Airport.
Light Up Middletown is a non-profit organization raising funds to improve Middletown’s public parks. All members of the organization are volunteers.
For additional information call 513-423-1877 or 513-649-4506.
Ann Mort
RMort@cinci.rr.com
513-649-4506
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