Over a year in the making, the finish line is in sight for one group of citizens.
Residents and visitors alike have the opportunity to take in the different lights placed throughout Historic Downtown Elizabethton, thanks to the support of the public.
Local businessman Joe Alexander, treasurer for the Holiday Lighting Committee, recently provided the Elizabethton Star with the status of the Christmas lights project currently underway to help refurbish lights and the future is looking rather bright for the popular decorations.
“We’ve been very fortunate with the support we’ve received from the public,” Alexander said. “We’re getting very close to our goal but we still have pole ornaments available. Our goal is between $23-$25,000 and with all the contributions, we’re a little over $22,000.”
Interest has peaked throughout the holiday season with different businesses and residents sponsoring lights placed through downtown. Alexander added the ground fixtures have been sponsored and 50 of the 120 poles currently with lights have been sponsored.
Each sponsorship has been created to help raise funds to help with the refurbishment and maintenance of lights. For each pole and fixture, a sign is placed as a commemorative piece.
“Tammy Taylor, Bill Taylor and Tyler Arnold with Quik Print have done an outstanding job with the signs,” Alexander said. “We’ve had several groups and residents sponsor a pole and have the sign read a message, either in memory of someone or in honor of someone. The signs are very durable and we appreciate their work.”
Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the holiday season for $130. Alexander added there are still several opportunities for poles to have signs placed down E Street and near the monument beside the Carter County Courthouse.
“Once someone purchases a sign, we’ll keep it up during the holiday season,” Alexander said. “Once the lights come down, we’ll hold on to the sign, and it’ll be placed again the following year. The signs are sturdy, I’d expect they’d probably last for a while. Once they are up, the pole is sponsored.”
Along with the community support, the City of Elizabethton and Elizabethton Electric have contributed funds to help with the maintenance of lights by chipping in a combined $10,000.
To go along with refurbishment, maintenance also runs for approximately $6,000, according to Alexander.
“The lights are a tradition in downtown Elizabethton,” Alexander said. “I couldn’t say enough about the support we’ve received for this project. From the sponsorships, to people just stopping by to chip in funds for the project.”
Individuals wanting to sponsor a pole or make a monetary donation to help the Holiday Lighting Committee reach their goal may stop by Alexander Insurance Agency or call (423) 543-2221 for more information.