NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release

For more information call: Ann Mort at 424-2038/email Rmort@cinci.rr.com  or Florella Randall at 423-1877.

12/16/04

LIGHT UP MIDDLETOWN BOUNCES BACK FROM SLOW START

Florella Randall, chairperson of Light Up Middletown, announced that, after a slow first two weeks, the crowds and donations have both picked up again to bring the statistics for the 2004 version of the drive-through light display even with the 2003 numbers.

After 20 continuous days of operation (since the Friday after Thanksgiving) the volunteers at Light Up Middletown have welcomed 33,141 guests arriving in 9,051 vehicles including 23 buses.

While the per-person average donation is still below 2003 averages, the volunteer committee is encouraged that donations and attendance for the 2004 season will be high enough to add additional displays to next year’s event and make a generous donation toward improvements at Smith Park.

Light Up Middletown is open every evening, regardless of the weather, through New Year’s Eve, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Admission is by donation. Organizers ask that each visitor contribute to the upkeep and improvement of the event by making a cash donation as they enter the park. The amount, however, is completely voluntary.

For information, contact Florella Randall at 513-423-1877.

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