Following an act of vandalism that destroyed tens of thousands of dollars in displays for Allentown’s popular Lights in the Parkway holiday event, donors and a local nonprofit stepped up to replace the damage in time for next season.
According to a news release from the nonprofit Allentown Parknership, 107 individual donors and funding from the nonprofit allowed the city to put $20,000 toward a new, 12-by-20-foot display which will read “Lighting the Season Together.”
“While we were deeply saddened by the vandalism to the event, everyone at the Parknership was heartened by the positive community support. We are grateful to be a part of continuing this tradition,” said Ruffian Tittmann, Parknership executive director, in a written statement.
In December, significant vandalism — including destroyed standing displays, bent light poles and crushed light bulbs — forced Lights in the Parkway to temporarily close. The popular, annual Allentown event decks a mile of Lehigh Parkway in thousands of holiday-themed lights and displays.
In January, an 18-year-old man and three 17-year-olds were charged in connection with the vandalism.
“Lights in the Parkway is an Allentown tradition that so many families have enjoyed together. The overwhelming community support reminded us just how much this event means to people,” said Mandy Tolino, director of Allentown Parks and Recreation Department, in a written statement. “We are grateful to the donors and to The Allentown Parknership for helping us replace the display and ensure the tradition continues for years to come.”
Reporter Lindsay Weber can be reached at Liweber@mcall.com.