The lights are coming back to Legion Park. After a strong public response, the City of Owensboro has flipped the switch on its plans and announced the beloved Holiday in the Park at Legion Park will return this season, rekindling a cherished community tradition.
Earlier this week, the City announced it would retire the traditional holiday lights display at Legion Park, shifting focus to an expanded Hometown Christmas event downtown. City Manager Nate Pagan said the decision was attributed to logistical challenges, including limited power, aging displays, and staffing shortages, and was met with strong community opposition.
The announcement stirred hundreds of reactions and comments on social media, almost all expressing disappointment.
In response, City officials began exploring potential solutions to bring the holiday tradition back to Legion Park, as the community had demanded.
“We understand the community’s love for Holiday in the Park,” City Manager Nate Pagan said, noting that while logistical challenges remained, they were actively working toward a solution.
On Friday, the City of Owensboro announced that following overwhelming support for the tradition, Holiday in the Park will return.
“After an overwhelming response, the City of Owensboro will keep the holiday spirit alive at Legion Park with traditional Christmas decorations to be displayed this season,” the release said.
While some of the original displays are no longer usable due to deterioration, the event will retain its festive, nostalgic appeal, officials said.
“Although several of the original light displays can no longer be used, the event will retain the familiar, festive Holiday in the Park charm that visitors have come to love at Legion,” the release said.
Next week, the City plans to make additional Christmas-related announcements, promising more excitement for the holiday season.
The community’s passion for Holiday in the Park resonated with City officials, who expressed their gratitude for the public’s feedback and nostalgia.
“While we knew Holiday in the Park was well-loved, we were blown away at the passion and nostalgia generated by the generations who have visited Legion Park over the years,” the release said.
