KEWANEE — A string of vandalism incidents at Northeast Park’s holiday light display has left longtime volunteers questioning whether the tradition can continue.
Mike Rapczak, who has volunteered in helping create the displays for nine years, said this season has been especially difficult.
“It just feels worse than in past years,” Rapczak said. “We’ve dealt with damage before, but this year it’s been constant.”
The drive-thru lighting event began about a decade ago when Brock Tumbleson and Mark Mikenas purchased western-style light displays they spotted for sale. Their idea grew into a fully illuminated park event that has since become a community favorite.
This year, however, vandals have repeatedly unplugged cords, cut wires and even removed bulbs from overhead lighting. One of the most serious incidents involved the large star in the Country Christmas display on the soccer field. The star, donated by American Steel, was knocked from its base. Rapczak said a witness saw a group near the star before their vehicle sped out of the park. The group was described as young but old enough to drive.
Two memorial trees decorated annually by a resident in honor of her husband and son were also vandalized.
Rapczak said the lack of security at Northeast Park makes it vulnerable. There are no gates to keep people out after dark, he said, and police have stepped up patrols, but they can’t be there every minute.
The Kewanee Park District does have security cameras, but they are aimed at buildings rather than the displays. So far, no footage has captured the vandals.
A crew of about six volunteers began setting up the displays in October, working weekday mornings for several weeks. Rapczak said gloves can’t be worn for much of the intricate work, which is why the group starts early while the weather is still mild. Once winter sets in, repairing damage done by vandals in freezing temperatures becomes especially discouraging.
“We do this for the kids and for the community,” he said. “But it’s disheartening when our work keeps getting destroyed.”
Rapczak said the volunteers are running out of patience.
“We all agreed the other day that if this keeps happening, we may have to throw in the towel,” he said.
None of the volunteers want to see the tradition end. Rapczak said the community has offered nothing but positive feedback about the display, which opens each year the same night as Windmont Park’s lighting. The lighting display brightens up the north side, he said, and can be seen off the highway when motorists come into the city.
“I don’t want to spoil anyone’s chance to see the lights,” he said. “But if the damage continues, it doesn’t make sense to keep going. We’re starting to ask ourselves, why are we doing this?”
Anyone with any information about the acts of vandalism at the park can contact the Kewanee Police Department at the non-emergency number 309-853-1911.
