Submitted By: Ann Mort
20,184 PEOPLE VISIT LIGHT UP MIDDLETOWN IN FIRST 14 DAYS
Despite low temperatures and high winds, attendance at Light Up Middletown, a drive-through fantasy light display in the 100 acre Smith Park, has been up slightly.
After 14 days of operation, guests number 20,184 driving through the displays in 5,843 vehicles including 19 buses. Attendance numbers are up 5% and the number of vehicles up 2% over 2008 figures.
Flo Randall, chairperson of the 11 year-old event, said, ”We attract families, tour buses, retirement home trips, school team buses and travelers. The annual trip or two through Light Up has become tradition for many families. We do not charge a set fee but rather allow the visitor to set the admission price. Whatever our guests donate at the gate house is just the right amount.” Light Up Middletown runs solely on donations which are used to purchase additional displays and make park improvements.
According to Randall, this Monday’s hot air balloon glow should bring large numbers of guests to the park to see the display and the glow with food vendors and performing groups. Light Up is open every night, regardless of weather 6-10 pm. The balloon glow is for one night only, Monday, December 14, 7-8:30 pm.
Every Friday and Saturday evening through December 19, from 7 to 9 pm, Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet children in the Santa House. Photos with Santa are available ($10 suggested donation for photo.)
Light Up Middletown is run totally by volunteers: the Grandpa Gang who set up and maintain the displays and several local non-profit organizations who staff the entrance gatehouse. This year volunteers from Middletown High School Musical Arts, MHS Success Academy, American Association of University Women and MHS Basketball will greet guests and ask where they are from and how they heard about the event.
To reach Smith Park, take I-75, Exit 32 and follow SR 122 to downtown Middletown or follow the special Light Up Middletown signs from all City entrances. The park address is 500 Tytus Avenue.
For additional information on Light Up Middletown call Flo Randall at 513-423-1877 or 513-267-2789.
