Kewanee was treated to a lighted parade, fireworks, and the lighting of Windmont and Northeast Parks on Sunday, December 7, 2025. The parks are lit up from 4:30 to 10:30 PM daily through New Year’s Day. Windmont Park has taken another step in honoring its community roots with a newly redesigned Memorial Board for its Lighting Volunteers. The updated board, crafted by Brad Bryner, now stands as a tribute to those who have dedicated time and energy to making the park’s annual lighting event a cherished tradition. Special recognition is given to the park’s founders, whose names appear on the top left, a reminder that their vision continues to bring people together year after year. The new design not only commemorates past contributions but also celebrates the enduring spirit and beauty of the season.
The dazzling displays at Windmont Park and Northeast Park shine thanks to the dedication of local volunteers. Dozens spent weeks testing strings of lights and arranging festive scenes, bringing holiday magic to the community. These annual lightings rely on both hard work and generous financial support from residents. However, this season, organizers at Northeast Park are voicing concerns over a rise in vandalism, with incidents already surpassing previous years. Community leaders urge everyone to respect these displays, emphasizing the countless hours and funds invested to make the parks a bright spot for families during the winter season.
Six dedicated retirees have been working since October 1st to keep the Northeast Park Christmas Display shining bright in Kewanee, honoring founder Brock Tumbleson’s legacy. However, according to Bobbi Rapczak, repeated acts of vandalism have threatened to dim that holiday spirit, leaving broken displays and damaged equipment. Despite alerting authorities and the park district, the destruction continues, casting doubt on the beloved tradition’s future. Community members are urged to drive through and appreciate the festive lights before January 1st, a tribute to the volunteers’ tireless efforts. Their hard work could make this holiday season’s display especially meaningful—and possibly the last. A few of the volunteers, including Bobbi’s husband, Mike, are monitoring the lights and displays and making repairs as necessary. If you know anything about the vandalism, contact the Kewanee Police at 309-853-1911.
Bobbi said in a Facebook post, “I know everybody has enjoyed this addition to the lighting of Kewanee for 9 years but this might be the last year. It just makes me so upset and sad that people think it is funny to do this and nobody seems to care. Please drive thru the park in my neighborhood till January 1st and enjoy the hard work these guys have done!!”
