Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Warsaw's downtown merchants, hoping to upgrade the downtown's Christmas decorations, are looking at Marshall, Mich., for inspiration and Pierceton for the displays.
Retailers and others interested in a more enlightened display have begun a campaign to raise money for permanent decorations for the upcoming holiday season.
Instead of pole decorations, an ad hoc committee wants to string "swags" of garland and multi-colored lights around eight of the major downtown intersections.
The intersections would include the four around the courthouse and nearby intersections along Lake and Market streets.
Committee members were impressed with the tradition assembled in Marshall, a small town located east of Battle Creek.
The town's traditional Christmas display has snowballed over the years, and is highlighted by a parade when the lights are unveiled annually.
Committee leader Carol Huffer said she'd like to see the downtown create some similar excitement and said a local parade is a short-term goal.
But before that happens, the downtown needs to first get some decorations.
"The committee feels with the retailers' support and the corporate support, we can raise enough money for these eight intersections," Huffer said.
"It's truly going to lighten and brighten the downtown," Huffer said.
The project will cost $20,000, and is dependent upon corporate support.
Each intersection will cost $2,500, and two companies have already indicated they will sponsor their own intersection. A sign for each intersection will bear the name of the sponsor.
The proposed decorations would be less expensive than pole decorations and more effective visually, Huffer said.
The committee also thinks the city should own the display instead of leasing it. Lease agreements in recent years have fallen short of expectations.
Unlike past years, the city is looking to Herman's Christmas Land of Pierceton. The company sells and leases a variety of decorations and is known for its bright displays seen year-round along U.S. 30 in Pierceton.
Owning the equipment will eliminate some of the guesswork, Huffer said.
The city street department will be responsible for maintaining the equipment. Storage is an issue that hasn't been resolved.
