Funding Essential for Central Park’s Festive Ornaments

The festive season in Fairfield shines brightest at Central Park, where life-sized, colorful lawn ornaments capture the holiday spirit. However, the charm of these ornaments comes with a hefty maintenance cost. The Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce is on a mission to raise funds annually to ensure these beloved decorations continue to grace the park, with this year’s Tree of Lights campaign raising $6,500 so far.

Vibrant festive ornaments enhance the charm of Central Park.

As it turns out, the dedication to maintaining these ornaments is a costly endeavor; expenses can range from $1,000 to $5,000 each year. Mendy McAdams, the Chamber Director, noted that the budget for repairs is on the rise. Just recently, $1,000 was allocated for a leg replacement on a blow-molded reindeer that has been delighting children since the 1950s. It’s a testament to the fragile nature of these nostalgic decorations that were mainly crafted by Fairfield High School students long ago.

“Every Iowa winter takes its toll on the ornaments we display for just a couple of months each year,” McAdams remarked, highlighting that many items have not aged well. The process of keeping these antique decorations in shape involves constant vigilance. For instance, tall candles that once illuminated pathways have faded drastically, and one of the lady carolers’ figurines was recently found with a mouse’s nest inside, prompting urgent repairs.

“The house with the three little elves used to be inside MidWestOne Bank, and they donated it to us,” said McAdams. “It was meant to be indoors, and the elves were actually mechanical. However, with unsheltered construction, moisture leads to mold, making repairs complicated.”

To rejuvenate the visual appeal of the park, the Chamber makes every effort to recycle and redefine their approach to decorations. For example, this winter, local volunteers, led by June Lowenberg, revamped the lamppost wreaths with new lighting and festive red bows. Interestingly enough, mismatched lanterns will find a new life hanging on nearby trees come next Christmas. Central Park transforms into a winter wonderland every year.

While the ornaments take center stage, the efforts of the chamber and its volunteers extend to erecting the Santa House and workshop, which transforms into a winter oasis for children every weekend from Thanksgiving to Christmas. McAdams reported a staggering turnout this season, with nearly 1,000 children visiting Santa, showing the community’s fondness for these traditions.

To keep pace with the demands of delighted little ones, ample preparations are made: “We had to repaint the workshop interior and replace old icicle lights on the building. Few realize how much effort is involved in the four weekends of operation. We bake 250 cookies weekly, and our last weekend was a record-breaking event! We had to stock up on cocoa and cookies after over 300 children came on our last Friday alone.”

Children flock to the Santa House every year, keeping holiday traditions alive.

The lore and joy embodied in the ornaments and the Santa experience represent cherished memories for many families in Fairfield. Recognizing their sentimental value, McAdams explained that retiring ornaments will not mean tossing them aside; instead, they might be auctioned to fund new replacements. This thoughtful initiative ensures that even as some items fade into history, the spirit of the season can be sustained through fresh additions and ongoing community engagement.

As the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce continues its work, the community remains hopeful that future fundraising efforts will keep Central Park vibrant and inviting throughout the holiday season.

For further information about the community’s festive efforts, you can check out the Community calendar of upcoming events.