The Fort Atkinson Beautification Council has announced that it has formed a Holiday Lights Committee to help grow the city’s lighted display along the Glacial River Bike Trail. The trail runs parallel to Janesville Avenue.
The lighted display begins at Jones Market, 601 Jones Ave., and decorates the bike path as it heads north, including the Rotary Depot Shelter found along the trail near the intersection of Janesville Avenue and South Third Street.
An effort to decorate the trail was begun last year and led by Jones Dairy Farm and BKS Dental, both Fort Atkinson-based companies, according to a news release from organizers of the display.
The beautification council’s committee was formed to continue that effort, the release noted.
The display includes a “lit Christmas tree” which was purchased by businesses and organizations from within the community, the release continued.
Among lighted and animated displays found along the path are puppies with wagging tails, a Santa shooting a basketball, elves, and a train.
Members serving on the committee include Mariah Hadler, Trish Jonas, Jenna Broege, Margaret Bare, Ryan Ebert, and Lisa Bethard. The project is further supported by members of the Fort Atkinson chapters of the Rotary and Lions clubs, the release noted.
Lighted displays along the path were made operational last Sunday, with the full presentation and a lighting kickoff event, titled: ”Magic on Janesville Avenue,” set for Friday, Dec. 9, from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Event activities will begin at Jones Market.
During the kickoff event, which is free and open to the public, “Santa and Mrs. Claus” will be on hand for photo opportunities, along with a live petting zoo and strolling Christmas carolers, the release stated.
Additionally, food, cookies and hot cocoa will be made available. Food and photos will be available at a nominal or at-will cost, the release continued.
“This community event is to spread some holiday cheer as we enjoy the lights provided by our local businesses, organizations and the beautification council. The eventual goal is to light up the bike path from the Rotary Depot to Lions Park. Come out and spread a little holiday cheer with your neighbors and friends. The animated holiday light display will stay up through the holidays,” the release stated.
About the beautification council
According to the release, the mission of the Fort Atkinson Beautification Council, a nonprofit organization, is to improve and beautify the community of Fort Atkinson, by surveying, studying, planing, reporting, recommending, guiding and conducting activities relating to the physical improvement and beauty of Fort Atkinson and its environs. The council was begun in 1964, with a goal of providing work and improvements beyond the scope of city government, including projects to enhance Fort Atkinson. Earlier projects include planting downtown trees, the creation of Bicentennial Park, and art projects throughout the city.
A history of the council, which was retired circa 2010, includes its resurrection, in 2016, by such community members as Barbara Lorman, Dick Schultz, Bob Bell, JoAnne Moon and Jude Hartwick. In the years that followed, the group began a five-year partnership with the city of Fort Atkinson to help plant trees to replace those killed by Emerald Ash Borer, planting some 350 trees along street terraces and within city parks.
Additional support has been granted by such organizations and individuals as the Fort Atkinson Community Foundation, Wisconservation Club, Barbara McGlynn, Rotary Club, Fort Atkinson High School Class of 1969, Bernadine Fry, Arla Randall and Donald Williams, among others.
Among notable projects, the release identifies the historically themed Fort Atkinson mural, which was painted by Milton artist Larry Schultz on the City of Fort Atkinson Water Department Building, 37 N. Water St.
More recently, the group is engaged with creating a second, companion mural, which will feature historical buildings in Fort Atkinson.
For more information about the council and its Holiday Lights Committee, contact Jude Hartwick, by phone: 920-568-0626, or email: judehartwick@gmail.com.
An earlier story about the proposed companion mural featuring historical buildings is here: https://fortatkinsononline.com/beautification-council-proposes-second-downtown-fort-mural/.
A story featuring last year’s holiday lights kickoff event, titled: “Magic on Jones Avenue,” is here: https://fortatkinsononline.com/magic-on-jones-avenue-draws-holiday-crowd/.
Families walking along the Glacial River Bike Trail enjoy passing through a lighted tunnel. The presentation was one of many found along the trail during last year’s holiday lights kickoff event then titled: “Magic on Jones Avenue.” The event this year is called “Magic on Janesville Avenue.” File photo/Chris Spangler.
Fort Atkinson High School choir members sing carols. The group provided one of many activities found last year at the “Magic on Jones Avenue” event. File photo/Chris Spangler.
An event-goer makes friends with an inquisitive calf. The animal was one of several provided as part of a petting zoo made available during the kickoff event activating holiday lights installed along Janesville Avenue. File photo/Chris Spangler.
Two photos above: LED holiday animated panels light the bike path along Janesville Avenue. The displays, among others, were provided last year by Jones Dairy Farm and BKS Dental. The pieces are part of a growing community display. This year, the Fort Atkinson Beautification Council has announced the formation of a Holiday Lights Committee, which is charged with expanding the full display along the path. File photo/Chris Spangler.
This post has already been read 3126 times!
