I remember two years ago the residents had been storing their lights at a public storage lot in Fruitland Park and their locker was broken into and $20,000 in decorations were stolen. The newspaper said person in charge was asked if they would carry on and he said they would try and start over and keep it going. Possibly this has something to do with stopping.
Since we cannot link to Villages News, here is the story.
Villages News May 21, 2017
Dunkirk Trail Christmas lights show will be bigger and better, even after theft of items
First the bad news: Insurance won’t cover the costs of stolen Christmas lights that have been a holiday highlight in The Villages for the past several years. Also, the storage facility from which the lights were stolen, isn’t offering any reimbursement.
Now the good news: The show will go on. And it will be bigger and better than ever.
Village of Hadley resident Hans Martel, who spearheads the annual lights show on Dunkirk Trail, has already replaced the stolen holiday lights and rebuilt the staging fixtures.
He promises the show, which has raised $14,000 through the years for food banks and a bullet-proof vest for the sheriff’s bloodhound, will be bigger and better than ever.
Initially, Villagers had offered to pitch in for the replacement costs. Initially, Mantel declined the offers.
“Unfortunately, this has been a bigger expense than I realized,” he said.
If you want to make a donation, make your check payable to “Hadley Christmas Lights,” and send it to:
Hans Mantel
2345 Dunkirk Trail
The Villages FL 32162
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