While folks are still dusting off their Halloween decor, Chelsea Lea’s sights already are on Christmas.
Lea is once again spearheading efforts to decorate the Allen County Courthouse lawn with lighted Christmas trees, and is seeking sponsors to help fund replacement strands.
Trees will line the sidewalks and southeast and southwest corners of the courthouse lawn, and will shine from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day.
Lea is seeking $50 sponsorships for small trees and $75 for larger displays (up to 12 feet tall).
She tries to reuse as many lights as she can, but age, weather and critters — squirrels are particularly fond of destroying entire strands of lights — require her to replace a significant amount each year.
Even the display’s signature snowman is in need of some upkeep, Lea said.
“His belly is out of shape,” she laughed.
The trees will include small wooden displays depicting the sponsors’ names, or to whom the tree is dedicated. Several have been sponsored as memorials, she noted.
Lea hopes to get the sponsorships in place by Nov. 7, in order to begin placing the trees the weekend of Nov. 8.
Volunteers also are welcome to help with that part, she added.
“The more workers we have, the faster it’ll go,” she said.
To donate, or to volunteer, contact Lea at Miss Chelsea’s Dance Academy, (620) 228-3424. Checks can be mailed to 217 South St., Iola, KS 66749.
