Winter Fantasy sparkles with millions of lights

UPPER SANDUSKY — The coronavirus pandemic has impacted many activities this year, but one holiday tradition it hasn't stopped is Upper's Winter Fantasy of Lights. The annual display, featuring millions of lights, is underway in Harrison Smith Park, just east of downtown Upper Sandusky. Hours are 6-10 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (a donation of $10 per vehicle), and 6-9:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays (a donation of $5 per vehicle) through Dec. 30. "I think everyone's ready for something back to normal, and it's one of our traditions," said Pat Eyestone, chairwoman of the 17-member planning committee. Proceeds this year will benefit St. Peter Catholic School, Star Players and HHWP Community Action Commission Head Start. Eyestone explained that the annual light display was the brainchild of Pat Althouse of the Upper Sandusky/Sycamore area and the late mayor Ken Richardson. The first event was held for eight days in 1997 and featured 10 displays. Proceeds totaled $5,000. These days, visitors will see 87 displays. Last year's event generated more than $100,000 for Wyandot County 4-H, Wyandot County EMS, the City of Upper Sandusky Parks and the Frank Shuleski Youth Organization. Eyestone and her husband, Dick, joined the committee in 2006. When Althouse retired as chairman in 2009, Eyestone took over the position. The display, which has grown and thrived over the years, requires a lot of volunteers, she said. "We counted it one time. It was right around 700," she said. "You've got to say it's a real community effort. It doesn't just happen." Lights, extension cords and displays are stored throughout the year in five semi-trailer trucks. The group starts unloading at the end of October, and displays are assembled and lights are hung throughout the park at 525 E. Wyandot Ave. Volunteers are also needed each night to direct traffic and take money. One of the new displays this year features a large book, "Twas the Night Before Christmas," by the Dorcas Carey Public Library. "Last year was the first year for Wyandot Tractor," said Eyestone. "They did a big combine, and they did a super job on it. It had goofy eyes and rotating lights on the combine and on the wheels." This year, she noted, Ohio Cat is joining in with a sprayer. The message is "Spraying the Good Cheer." Volunteers dressed as Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer will not be roaming around the 33-acre park this year as a concession to COVID-19. But volunteers wearing masks will be handing out candy canes. A special two-night "fantasy walk" was held prior to the Dec. 1 opening night. Carriage rides sold out early, and some people have requested to be put on a waiting list for next year. For many people, visiting the show is an annual event, with most coming from the area including Findlay, Mansfield, Tiffin, Marion and Bucyrus. "But people come from all over," said Eyestone, who works every Christmas Eve with her husband. "This past year, it was really foggy," she recalled. "I mean, it was hard to see just in town. And it was amazing. You look at the license plate and see where somebody's from." She talked to one man who traveled from Bowling Green that night. Another had come from Dayton. "I said, 'Have you been here before?' He said, 'Nope, but I heard about it.' He said he about gave up at Lima, but by then he was halfway here. He said, 'I thought I might as well come on over," said Eyestone. The group has donated just over $625,000 in the past 23 years to various Wyandot County nonprofit groups and agencies. Past recipients have included Wyandot County Home Health, Hannah's House, Special Olympics and the Upper Sandusky High School Music Department. "For me, I guess it's a labor of love," said Eyestone. "It's just something that I enjoy. Holiday time, everybody's a little nicer, just the whole atmosphere. It's something you do, and you know how much you're helping people." Eyestone said the committee is already thinking of ways to make next year even more special as they celebrate their 25th event. For more information, visit www.uppersfantasyoflights.org/ Wolf: 419-427-8419 jeanniewolf@thecourier.com