(Poteau, Oklahoma) – The Poteau Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the return of Lights on the Island for the 26th year. Karen Wages, Poteau Chamber of Commerce CEO said, “The Lights on the Island began in 2000 so we are really excited to begin our second quarter century of “lighting up the island” this year. This year features more new displays and additional sponsors. We want to invite everyone to come see how much the Lights on the Island has grown since last year. Our signature displays including a 30-foot Statue of Liberty and a huge American Flag fit into our county’s 250th celebration. Our nation’s birthday is especially important to so many people in our communities and surrounding areas. Being able to show our patriotism this year is particularly crucial.
“We couldn’t do this event without the many volunteers from our communities working to make it possible. Volunteers Shayne and Stephanie Mattox, Marty Wages, and Mike Robinson help get the displays ready from checking the individual lights and wiring to deciding on the placement of the displays to actually placing them around Quarry Island. More volunteers work nightly to welcome visitors, hand out candy, and take donations, which are put into the following year’s display. Overall we have about 10,000 volunteer hours for this one event.”
This year, all of the lighted displays will have LED lights so they will be brighter and more visually appealing than in years past. Favorite displays including the Huge Dinosaurs, Lighted Tunnel, and Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer will take their places as usual.
“Each year, the donations and sponsorships purchase new lights and displays for the next year. Volunteers work each night to greet visitors, hand out candy canes, and answer questions about The Lights on the Island.”
Lights on the Island is located at Lake Wister State Park’s Quarry Island, 25679 US Hwy 270, Wister, OK 74966. This year’s Lights on the Island will be open from 6-9 PM November 20-December 25.
To sponsor a display or to volunteer, or for more information, contact the Poteau Chamber of Commerce at 918-647-9178. www.poteauchamber.com
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