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Crowdfunding for holiday lights aims to raise $10,000

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

Residents are taking steps to crowdfund holiday lights on the Town Common after the program was cut from the Parks & Recreation Department’s budget.

A fundraiser organized by Juanita Hanson seeks to raise $10,000 to fund the installation and maintenance of the holiday lights. As of Thursday, the crowdfunding effort had raised $5,160.

Hanson said the campaign has received a “resounding response” from the community and expressed hope that it can reach the $10,000.

“I’m fully confident that we’ll get to our goal,” she said.

During budget negotiations for fiscal year 2026, Parks & Rec was advised to cut the holiday lights program. The Parks & Rec Commission has discussed soliciting donations after the lights contractor adjusted its cost estimate from $14,000 down to $9,500.

Hanson said she initiated the fundraiser as a concerned citizen, and that the lights play an important role in the town’s kickoff to the holiday season. 

“I cannot see … that Common being dark through the winter,” said Hanson. She noted that the lights are part of events such as the Girl Scouts’ Caroling on the Common event, which she helps organize, along with the annual Holiday Stroll.

BoMain and Hop-Yo have partnered with the campaign this weekend to donate 20% of all sales. Hanson said she also is coordinating with sponsors and working on matching donations. Residents are encouraged to donate money through the campaign’s crowdfunding page.

The fundraiser has a limited amount of time to reach its goal. The Holiday Stroll and the caroling event are scheduled for Dec. 6. Light installation takes about three days, said Hanson. 

“It’s a pretty involved process,” she said. 

[Editor’s note: This story has been updated with additional information on the fundraising efforts.]

The crowdfunding effort was funded fully as of Nov. 23. Hanson closed the campaign on that date following fundraiser donations from Hop-Yo and BoMain, along with a $1,500 business donation from Property Cousins. The campaign had reached 98% funding prior to those donations coming in.

“With individuals, a few business donations and the fundraisers —we made the goal!” Hanson shared in a text message on Nov. 26.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

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