It’s the hail’s fault.
The June 14 storm decimated the silhouette lights around downtown Seward. They were scheduled to be replaced with new LED lights anyway, thanks to the Illuminate Seward project, but the project won’t be finished by the Christmas Festival, which was its original goal.
Jonathan Jank, president and CEO of the Seward County Chamber and Development Partnership, said that means the downtown will look different this Christmas.
“We will have 10 buildings done by the festival,” Jank said. “Downtown will look markedly different this year.”
Illuminate Seward kicked off in July when the new lights were installed at City Hall. Jank said the city’s electrical department told him in 2020 the old lights had about one season left.
When they were installed, Jank said, the building and business owners pitched in, and the VFW hosted a luau as a fundraiser.
With the time running out on the original bulbs, Gregg Nelson, owner of Rue 6 and Squire Ward’s in Seward, suggested the Illuminate Seward project to replace the lights with LEDs. The LEDs are more efficient and allow more options, like changing colors or patterns.
“It’s the next generation’s campaign to light downtown,” Jank said.
Blue River Electric is installing the lights. The SCCDP will continue to pay for the upkeep and electricity, Jank said.
Lights shine on the Fourth of July and for the two months around Christmas.
To install lights on all the downtown buildings will cost about $140,000 or about $30 per linear foot, Jank said. In addition, controllers will be installed so the lights can “talk” to each other and the display can be coordinated. More than 20 controllers are needed at about $500 each, he said.
The SCCDP and city are working with Vinnie Bittinger of the Magical Lights of Seward to get the lights installed and programmed.
“We ask for patience and generosity,” Jank said.
To date, approximately $23,500 has been raised for the project with $27,000 committed. The goal is to have the project done by Christmas 2023, Jank said.
The SCCDP is partnering with Bridges for the fundraising. By doing so, donations are tax deductible, Jank said. People could donate for lights on a specific building if they chose. All they need to do is note that in the memo line of a donation check. For more information, contact SCCDP at (402) 643-4189.
