Encyclopedia Dubuque
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REFLECTIONS IN THE PARK: Difference between revisions
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The idea for the event came from Sharon Faley who visited a light display in Peoria, Illinois in 1994. Interested in developing a similar program in Dubuque, she spoke with members of the Peoria chamber of commerce and found the company that handled the equipment. The company's initial response was that Dubuque was too small. (2) | The idea for the event came from Sharon Faley who visited a light display in Peoria, Illinois in 1994. Interested in developing a similar program in Dubuque, she spoke with members of the Peoria chamber of commerce and found the company that handled the equipment. The company's initial response was that Dubuque was too small. (2) | ||
Faley convinced company representatives to visit Dubuque. Their position became a bit more positive, but it was too late for them to make it happen here. Determined to have the light show, Faley sold eighteen light displays to local sponsors to make the first " | Faley convinced company representatives to visit Dubuque. Their position became a bit more positive, but it was too late for them to make it happen here. Determined to have the light show, Faley sold eighteen light displays to local sponsors to make the first "Festival of Lights" possible in 1996. The first year's proceeds surpassed expectations by exceeding $100,000. (3) Faley's direct participation in the event ended around 2008 when her goal of seeing the raise $1 million for Hillcrest was realized. (4) | ||
Annually many volunteers work to keep the event "new" by adding displays and rearranging favorites. "Memory Lane" was created so that area residents could memorialize loved ones. In 2013 approximately eleven thousand cars passed through the display. Annually an estimated 45,000 people visit the display. ( | Annually many volunteers work to keep the event "new" by adding displays and rearranging favorites. "Memory Lane" was created so that area residents could memorialize loved ones. In 2013 approximately eleven thousand cars passed through the display. Annually an estimated 45,000 people visit the display. (5) | ||
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2. Montgomery, Jeff. "Reflections in the Park: A Light-Hearted Dubuque Tradition," ''Telegraph Herald'', November 30, 2014, p. 1 | 2. Montgomery, Jeff. "Reflections in the Park: A Light-Hearted Dubuque Tradition," ''Telegraph Herald'', November 30, 2014, p. 1 | ||
3. Gwaisda, Susan B. "Festival of Lights Blaze Ends Sunday," Telegraph Herald, January 4, 1997, p. 2. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=aEyKTaVlRPYC&dat=19970104&printsec=frontpage&hl=en | |||
4. Montgomery | |||
5. Ibid. | |||
[[Category: Events]] | [[Category: Events]] | ||
Revision as of 01:25, 7 March 2016
REFLECTIONS IN THE PARK. In 2014 the 20th anniversary of Reflections in the Park was celebrated. Located in Louis Murphy Park, the holiday light extravaganza of displays and animated creations has benefited HILLCREST FAMILY SERVICES. (1)
The idea for the event came from Sharon Faley who visited a light display in Peoria, Illinois in 1994. Interested in developing a similar program in Dubuque, she spoke with members of the Peoria chamber of commerce and found the company that handled the equipment. The company's initial response was that Dubuque was too small. (2)
Faley convinced company representatives to visit Dubuque. Their position became a bit more positive, but it was too late for them to make it happen here. Determined to have the light show, Faley sold eighteen light displays to local sponsors to make the first "Festival of Lights" possible in 1996. The first year's proceeds surpassed expectations by exceeding $100,000. (3) Faley's direct participation in the event ended around 2008 when her goal of seeing the raise $1 million for Hillcrest was realized. (4)
Annually many volunteers work to keep the event "new" by adding displays and rearranging favorites. "Memory Lane" was created so that area residents could memorialize loved ones. In 2013 approximately eleven thousand cars passed through the display. Annually an estimated 45,000 people visit the display. (5)
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Source:
1. "Reflections in the Park," Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce. Online: http://business.dubuquechamber.com/events/details/murphy-park-reflections-in-the-park-01-02-2015-330004
2. Montgomery, Jeff. "Reflections in the Park: A Light-Hearted Dubuque Tradition," Telegraph Herald, November 30, 2014, p. 1
3. Gwaisda, Susan B. "Festival of Lights Blaze Ends Sunday," Telegraph Herald, January 4, 1997, p. 2. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=aEyKTaVlRPYC&dat=19970104&printsec=frontpage&hl=en
4. Montgomery
5. Ibid.