The Cost of Cheer: Maintaining Fairfield’s Holiday Ornaments

As the snowflakes start to fall, one of the town’s most cherished traditions comes alive in Fairfield’s Central Park—vibrant life-sized lawn ornaments that bring the spirit of the holiday season to life. But what many may not realize is the hefty price tag attached to maintaining these festive icons, an expense that the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce tackles year after year.

Life-sized ornaments are a highlight of Central Park during the holiday season.

Keeping the Spirit Alive

This year, the Chamber of Commerce has successfully raised $6,500 through its Tree of Lights campaign, an essential initiative aimed at repairing and replacing these beloved decorations. According to Chamber Director Mendy McAdams, it costs anywhere between $1,000 to $5,000 annually just to maintain these ornaments, with costs showing no signs of slowing. For instance, replacing a blow-molded leg for one reindeer from the carousel set them back $1,000. Intriguingly, these reindeer have a historical backstory—they were crafted in the 1950s at Fairfield High School.

The Toll of Winter

The harsh Iowa winters inflict substantial damage on the ornaments, only allowing them to shine brightly for a couple of months each year. Over time, vivid reds fade to dull oranges, and structural integrity becomes compromised. McAdams shared that one ornament, a lady caroler, even needed repairs last year when a nest was discovered within it. Many of these decorations were initially not intended for outdoor use, presenting an ongoing conundrum for their preservation.

Story of Sentiment

Reflecting on the town’s sentiments, McAdams emphasized the emotional ties residents have with these decorations. Rather than disposing of them once they show signs of wear, the Chamber plans to auction off old ornaments, using the funds to purchase new ones. For example, the three little elves house was once housed indoors at MidWestOne Bank, which later donated it. This structure, however, is vulnerable; it allows water to seep in, encouraging mold growth.

Efforts to maintain and repair the ornaments are essential for holiday cheer.

A Community Effort

The fundraising efforts are not solely confined to ornament repairs. Volunteers play a crucial role in transforming the Santa house and workshop, where eager children flock every weekend from Thanksgiving to Christmas. McAdams noted that nearly 1,000 children visited Santa this year. “We had to repaint the workshop and replace the icicle lights,” she explained, pointing out the sheer volume of effort needed to keep everything in proper order. “We go through 250 cookies per weekend,” she added, stressing that this year’s final weekend broke previous attendance records.

Green Efforts

Amidst these challenges, recycling remains a priority for the Chamber. Recently, a group led by volunteer June Lowenberg revitalized the lamppost wreaths with new lights and vibrant red bows, demonstrating a commitment to repurposing materials. The mismatched lanterns, meanwhile, are now slated for decoration on trees for next Christmas, ensuring that no resource goes to waste.

The Santa house is a central attraction for the children during the festive season.

Conclusion

Fairfield’s holiday ornaments stand as a testament to community spirit, nostalgia, and resilience. With ongoing fundraising efforts and the dedication of numerous volunteers, the town remains committed to upholding its whimsical winter wonderland. After all, as the slogan at the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce suggests, it’s all about celebrating the joy at the heart of the season.

If you’d like to be part of this ongoing effort or learn more, reach out to Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com.