Members of the Northeast Park Christmas Lighting committee finished off the military figures on the north side of the park Tuesday. The figures will be on display in time for Veterans Day. Shown, from left, Tim Hamilton, Brock Tumbleson, Tom Martineau, Ron Bognar, and Mike Rapczak. [Photo by Susan DeVilder]

It’s only October and holiday decorations and items are popping up in the retail stores. If you’ve driven through Northeast Park, there’s already signs that the season is upon us. The Northeast Park Christmas Lighting committee is hard at work, putting up the displays for the annual drive-thru lighting event.

On Tuesday, the committee finished the task of putting up their military figures along the fence on the north side of the park. The job was completed in time for Veterans Day next month. While the crew understands it is early, they have a solid reason for taking advantage of the nicer weather.

“You’ve got to make hay while the sun shines,” said Brock Tumbleson, a co-founder of the park display.

Committee member Mike Rapczak, whose home borders the park, said that the cold weather makes it difficult to attach the displays to the metal fencing. The work is even more difficult when the temperatures plunge because it requires that the crew members remove their gloves.

“Trying to get all of the fine stuff done when it’s cold isn’t easy,” he said.

Tumbleson agreed. “Fall just makes sense, but we’ll be out here when it’s cold, too.”

Many years ago, Tumbleson, along with his friend, Mark Mikenas, were able to score some displays from a couple who were no longer interested in using them. They used those displays to build upon and at the time, they vowed not to let the lighting event get too cumbersome. But that didn’t go as planned. This year, the seventh year, the display is bigger and better than ever.

“We’ve created a monster, but it’s a wonderful monster,” said Tumbleson. “We enjoy doing it so much, and it’s a big piece of property so you really have to light it up.”

New displays have been added every year and this time, it’s no different. After Kewanee resident Tony Perkins passed away, some of his displays that he used for his yearly Santa Workshop, located at the very east end of Prospect Street, were donated to the committee. Those lights have already found a home at the park.

“He really loved Christmas,” Tumbleson said of Perkins, who would dress up as Santa Claus and pass out toys and candy to area kids.

In addition to the donation from the Perkins’ family, there will be new pieces added by the Kewanee Life Skills Re-entry Center artists.

“We’ve got new displays that will be coming in a week or two,” said Tumbleson, and those will include characters from Whoville, Mario Brothers, Polar Express, as well as more traditional items.

This sign is located next to the service members figures, which were donated by Mayor Gary Moore and his wife, Jeanna Moore in memory of their parents. [Photo by Susan DeVilder]

But the crew, who spends hours out in the park preparing for the official lighting, all admit they don’t do it alone, and there is a long list of businesses and people to thank.

On Tuesday, they were missing a few of their regular volunteers. Jerry VanDeVelde and Kevin Gerard have been dealing with some health issues, and longtime volunteers Mark Ouart and Dick Kull couldn’t be there either.

But the crew thanked both Joe Chamberlain and Mark Mikenas, who assist in storing the lights and decorations, and companies such as American Steel, which donated the metal they use to make trees.

Several of the cutouts that will adorn the park are already up. The committee is taking advantage of the fall weather. [Photo by Susan DeVilder]

The Kewanee Park District and Director Andrew Dwyer have been integral to the operation, allowing them to use the park and the district’s electrical service. The Kewanee Park Board also got a mention.

The Kewanee Life Skills artist, under the direction of the center’s art teacher, Jessica Draper, have supplied painted cutouts each year, and Great Dane has supplied the plywood used to make them.

Kenny Gutschlag offers assistance with electrical and the Kewanee School District has allowed them to use a lift to help with the higher decorations.

“There’s a lot of people working behind the scenes,” said Rapczak.

Grants have been provided for the Northeast Park event by both the Kewanee Kiwanis Club and the Kewanee Rotary.

“We are very appreciative of people who have helped us and with the monetary donations,” said Tumbleson. “We really appreciate the support.”

The official lighting display kickoff is set for Sunday, Dec. 3 at dusk. The Northeast Park lighting will be held in conjunction with the Christmas Lighted Parade and the Windmont Park lighting.