While some folks are still picking out their Halloween costumes, Chelsea Lea has her sights set on a bright and shiny Christmas season.
Lea, proprietor of Miss Chelsea’s Dance Academy, is once again spearheading efforts to erect Christmas lights in the south courtyard of the Allen County Courthouse.
She is seeking sponsorships to pay for the lights.
“As soon as the Christmas lights hit the stores, I need to start buying them, or they’ll sell out,” Lea said.
Sponsorships for a 6-foot tree display sell for $40; 8-foot tree sponsorships go for $50 each. (Cash or check only.)
Sponsors will be recognized on wooden stars placed atop each tree display.
“We’ve had a lot of people put names in honor or in memory of a loved one, or a business name, or their kids,” she said.
Proceeds go toward purchasing more lights.
The displays will be focused at the intersections of U.S. 54 and Jefferson and Washington avenues.
If enough trees are purchased, they’ll line the sidewalk to the south entrance of the courthouse as well.
The giant lighted snowman will return once again as well, Lea said.
Lea also hopes to recruit a team of volunteers — especially tall ones — to put up Christmas tree displays the weekend of Nov. 11.
“It only takes a few hours,” she said. “We try to do it in a day, or two days if necessary.”
The goal is to have the trees ready for Thanksgiving, when the rest of Iola’s downtown building lights are turned on.
“We want to get them up and tested pretty quickly,” Lea said.
