The community initiative, spearheaded by the Northeast Park Lighting group, has once again successfully brought festive cheer to locals and visitors alike. Mark Mikenas, representing the group, extends a heartfelt thanks to the Kewanee Kiwanis Club for their generous support. As you drive through the park this season, keep an eye out for the six dedicated volunteers who played a crucial role in making the park sparkle. This shining example of community partnership illuminates the spirit of the season. The Northeast Park Lighting group has struggled this year to transform Northeast Park into a holiday wonderland after the tragic loss of Brock Tumbelson. Brock was the driving force behind the Northeast Park lighting. This year, six volunteers have done their best to turn Northeast Park into a festive display that would honor Brock Tumbelson and make Brock proud. While you drive through Northeast Park, be on the lookout for a special display dedicated to the memory of the founder of the Northeast Park Lighting, Brock Tumbelson. Mike Rapczak has become the unofficial spokesperson for the group of volunteers. I met with four of the volunteers Wednesday morning as they were battling freezing temperatures to put the final touches on the light displays, which will light up on Sunday night at dusk. Mike Rapczak, Tom Martineau, Mark Ouart, Tim Hamilton, Jerry VanDeVelde, and Ron Bognar are responsible for all the displays you see when you drive through Northeast Park beginning Sunday night. Mike said there are fewer light displays this year due to the unavailability of equipment and extra hands.
Mark Mikenas said they are unsure how the future of the Northeast Park Lighting will be without Brock being onsite daily. He said they would see what can be done with the lights and displays they have now and what can be done with the lights not currently working. The volunteers said they don’t have a warm building to work on the lights that aren’t working, so it makes it hard to restring them with the cold temperatures. Currently, they have a trailer full of lights and displays that aren’t working or are damaged. Contact Mark Mikenas at the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce if you can donate to the Northeast Park Lighting or volunteer. Call 309-852-2175, email [email protected], or visit 113 E. 2nd Street in Kewanee.
