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Downtown Decorah displays new holiday decorations

Posted: Wed, Nov 7, 2018 11:29 AM

New decorations are now on display in Decorah for the holiday season. Light poles on Water Street feature a three-foot lighted snowflake ornament, two red bows, and garland with lights wrapped on them. College Drive to Locust Road also features the snowflake ornament.

The Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce has facilitated holiday decorations for the community for the past 20 years or more. The wreaths and garland of the past were very worn and deteriorated to a point of being unusable. "We are happy that many of the old decorations were recycled and lights were saved for future use," says DACC Executive Director Kristina Wiltgen.

Planning for the holiday season began in April. The committee was tasked with making the decision to outsource the project, as they did in 2017, or find a way to purchase commercial grade materials that would be a more sustainable purchase. "There are many, many behind the scenes elements that go along with holiday decorations." Wiltgen adds, "Just like your decorations at home, we need storage space, funds to maintain and replace along the way, and assistance in prepping them for display each year."

Contributions from the local Self-Supporting Municipal Improvement District Board and the Depot Outlet allowed an order to be placed by August 1st. "The ordering time frame is a big consideration. We don't like to think about the holidays until the weather turns colder, but new or expanded decorations need to be ordered right after Nordic Fest to guarantee delivery for the holiday season," says Wiltgen.

Although decorations are maintained and owned by the DACC, the City Street Department provides all the labor in putting the decorations up and makes sure the timers are all working properly.

The DACC is reliant on private funding to maintain holiday decorations. The fundraising campaign is ongoing and all levels of support are appreciated. For more information contact Kristina Wiltgen at the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce at (563) 382-3990.