Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
It was cold.
But despite freezing temperatures and a healthy wind chill factor, at least 150 hardy souls braved the elements Friday evening in Central Park to see the official lighting of the Christmas displays.
There were no speeches, no ceremonies, no long-winded thanks or descriptions or credits. Just Bruce Howe, who, along with his wife, Ann, donated the exhibit, counting down to zero hour.
When all the photographers and videographers were lined up and ready, the Howes and Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins, with some moral support from Santa Claus, flipped the switch. There was a tiny pause, and then an exclamation and applause from the crowd as the entire park came alive in an impressive display of light.
Every tree, bush and even fences have been strung with more than 130,000 lights. The Howes donated most of the decorations from the annual holiday exhibit at their home that attracted thousands of cars each year.
And Bruce Howe spearheaded a campaign for donations that bought many of the lights and electrical extension cords.
The park will be lit nightly from now until a week after Christmas. The public is welcome.
