As the Rotary in Lights tradition wrapped up its 20th year at Village Park, the Waunakee Rotary Club reviewed the different structures at its Jan. 2 meeting.
Penguins, donkeys, a camel, lighted wooden cutouts of nutcracker soldiers, five golden rings, a warming shelter, lights around the ball diamond – all are just a part of the display Rotarians volunteer each fall to create.
Other community organizations also help with the massive holiday decorating project that also involves running electrical capacity through the park.
The result is a dazzling holiday display illuminating Waunakee’s oldest, most quaint park from Thanksgiving through the New Year.
Then, in early January, volunteers meet again in frigid temperatures to take down each of the displays and pack them up in trailers for storage.
Some of the structures are aging; some have been repainted. Some have reached the end of their lifespan.
Many, like the nutcracker soldiers were crafted and contributed by community members. Bob Ziegler in particular created several of them, including the soldiers and the carousel. Dan Endres, from the Knights of Columbus, contributed the warming hut, and Traditions Lighting has provided decorations, as well.
Club President Phil Willems and other members keep a lookout for other holiday decor to purchase. Club member Ken Pesik reported he had visited the LaCrosse Rotary Club’s lighted display.
Thousands of visitors enjoy Rotary in Lights throughout the holiday season. It is a gift to the community, from the community, as many organizations help with the undertaking.
It also raises funds for the Rotary Club with a magazine businesses can advertise in to show their support. That print product also helps spread the word about the Waunakee Rotary Club and partners who help with the project, such as the Knights of Columbus and Lions Club. Printed this year by Minuteman Press, the magazine also includes a coloring contest.
Each night, throughout the season, volunteers greet visitors to Rotary in Lights, handing out brochures and candy canes, and accepting donations.
The funds collected are shared among the organizations who provide volunteer greeters. A number of youth organizations – several Waunakee High School varsity sports teams and other extracurricular clubs like the high school’s SEE Club, Pay it Forward Club, DECA Club, Student Council and FBLA Club, the Waunakee Whirlwinds 4H Club, Food for Kidz, Girl Scout Troop 7318, Create Waunakee and the community Pay It Forward group — participate.
When the season winds down, Rotarians then review the structures and consider what new projects can be added. Last year, the club spent between $6,000 to $8,000 on new displays, Phil reported
To celebrate the Waunakee Rotary Club’s 50th year, its community service committee has worked to build a permanent arch at the park, featuring iconic images from the community. At the Jan. 2 meeting, Ken said that the committee has received architectural plans for the arch to be reviewed, adding he was excited to see that project move forward.
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Other News:
-The final takedown for the Rotary in LIghts will be Saturday morning. Afterwards, members will meet at Waun-A-Bowl.
Guests: None
Birthdays: Jan. 11, Greg Garton, Jan. 15, Sorina Neamtu.
Anniversaries: None.
Greeters: Jan. 9, Tom Kennedy and Jim Elvekrog; Jan. 16, Hillary Pink-Budworth and Shelley Moffatt; Jan. 23, Shauna Hughey and Tim Decorah; Jan. 30, Jean Elvekrog and ??
To sign up to greet or to find out if you are greeting, visit:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054CAAAA2CA7F85-44320149-2023#/
