Seeks funds to pay for Fifth Avenue holiday light display
By Meagan McGone
mmcgone@hometownnewsol.com
INDIALANTIC - What is a Christmas like without any lights?
A group of Indialantic residents don't want to find out, which is why they have formed the Hometown Holiday Light Campaign Committee.
"The town of Indialantic had a longstanding tradition of providing festive lights to mark the holiday season down Fifth Avenue," said Dick Dunn, a member of the Hometown Holiday Light Campaign Committee. "In 2011, the Indialantic Town Council voted to use the holiday light fund to buy a critical piece of equipment for the fire department. The failure to display lighting during December 2011 resulted in citizens of the community expressing disappointment."
And in the 2012 budget, holiday lights were not approved for funding.
"Last year, comments were received that this reflected badly on the town's concern for others and showed a lack of family values, so the town's image had suffered due to a lack of community spirit," Mr. Dunn said.
So this year, several concerned residents joined to reinstate the longstanding tradition, and the committee was born. The group is seeking tax-deductible donations from the public to pay for the rental of lights.
Two fundraising events have been held so far, and the committee is planning an event for November 2012.
Rick Keelan, an advertising consultant with Hometown News, recently donned a Santa outfit in 90-degree weather to draw support for the cause. He and members of the Hometown Holiday Light Campaign Committee asked for donations from passersby.
"I have very fond memories from my childhood of the main street of my hometown all lit up for the holiday season," Mr. Keelan said. "I just want to help make sure that other kids can have those kinds of memories."
To contribute or assist in this effort, contact the town of Indialantic by calling (321) 723-2242.