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Dozens of holiday displays were illuminated simultaneously Sunday night for Luverne’s Love the Lights celebration.
The city park came to life around 7 p.m. when the lights were illuminated on more than 70 displays set up by 39 businesses and organizations.
The park lighting followed a spectacular 20-minute fireworks show by local pyro-technicians who set off explosives from the west riverbank near the railroad tracks.
Spectators enjoyed the show from the warmth of their cars and honked their applause before getting in line to drive around the park to take in the sights and sounds of the holidays.
Before and after the show, motorists reported a long stream of traffic traveling Main Street to and from the park.
Chamber Director Jane Wildung Lanphere said she was touched by the local response to her calls to light the park.
“The park is big and if everyone does their part it can really be something,” she said. “Hats off to everyone who took the time to put their displays up.”
She said Jodi Reverts and her staff and friends at the Howling Dog put up about two dozen displays on their own.
“Also a shout out to all the sponsors who helped donate money for the fireworks,” Lanphere said. “We were about $1,000 short, so the contributions by families and individuals really helped make it possible.”
Jonathon Kurtz and Seth Miller were on the fireworks shooting team. “They did a fantastic job,” Lanphere said.
She added that the city of Luverne public works department facilitated with the park lighting event.
“John Stoffel and his crew have been nothing but stellar in allowing and supporting the plans for the event at the park and the fireworks,” Lanphere said.
Santa and Mrs. Claus
Santa and Mrs. Claus made a surprise appearance at the park to greet passing motorists.
Rodger and Dianne Ossenfort are Luverne’s longtime jolly couple during Winterfest weekends, but the pandemic prevented traditional gatherings. The Ossenforts therefore weren’t planning to don their red and white costumes.
Just before the park lighting event Sunday, however, Rodger said he called the Chamber to say they would be there.
Moments later they were seated near the Buffalo Ridge Insurance display on the south end of the park where they waved and shouted greetings to families driving by in their cars.
“It was just steady cars the whole time,” Rodger said. “I’m really glad it worked to be here.”
They said the event at the park — the fireworks, lighted displays and strong community turnout — was a holiday bright spot amid a season marred by Covid-19.
“This is just wonderful. I just couldn’t believe all the children telling us ‘Merry Christmas, Santa!’” Dianne said. “It was heartwarming, it really was.”
The Chamber will host Zoom chats with Santa and Mrs. Claus at their North Pole workshop from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 5.
The Zoom link can be found on the Chamber’s website and Facebook page.
The park will remain illuminated through the holiday season.