Published: December 03, 2008 11:41 pm         

Christmas in the Park lights up the night sky

2008 marks holiday event’s 22nd year

TERRE HAUTE — A cold drizzle misted the December air as cars passed through Deming Park to watch the lighting of the Christmas in the Park displays.

“This is a great event,” Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett said near the park’s Torner Center Wednesday evening. “It draws a ton of people.”

Dozens gathered as Terre Haute South Vigo High School’s band played Christmas carols and horse-drawn carriages drove through the park.

“Every year it gets better and better,” Bennett said.

2008 marks the 22nd year for the festivity, this year sponsored by First Financial Bank, Clabber Girl Corp., the Terre Haute Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Terre Haute Tribune-Star and the Terre Haute Parks and Recreation Department.

Parks superintendent Eddie Bird noted that Sally Whitehurst of First Financial Bank and Rita Coleman-Alsop have helped organize the event each year since its inception.

“This is a community activity,” Whitehurst said, noting more than 100,000 people drive through the park each season.

This year, 17 groups will compete for $12,500 in cash awards, including a “people’s choice” prize chosen by public ballot.

Judging will be Monday.

Lynn Degler and Bev Higham of Delta Theta Tau’s Alpha Omicron chapter stood by their group’s display on the park’s east side, pointing to the hand-made dolls in the scene.

“All day Sunday,” Degler said of the time spent in set-up.

In addition to the lighted shelters, train rides on the Holiday Express will run from 6 to 9 p.m. tomorrow through Monday, and again next weekend on Dec. 12 and 13, as well as Dec. 19 and 20.

Santa Claus will also be in the park those same nights and times.

Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.