Main Street looking to improve Christmas lightscape

Posted

Many months will pass before Main Street Gonzales lights up the downtown skyline for Christmas, but planning is in effect that would make downtown Gonzales brighter and more festive for the holiday season and for Santa's big entrance.

"Main Street Gonzales has examined the seasonal lighting system used to create the skyline of white lights for the downtown area and has found the conditions of the electrical wiring, lights and sockets has deteriorated," Main Street Manager Barbara Friedrich said in a recent letter to building and business owners. "The wiring is cracking and there have been many splices made to keep them useable."

According to Friedrich the lights were donated by the Historic Homes Association more than 10 years ago. The lights required a lot of work last year just to make them useable and will take even more money to light up the skyline this coming season.

"We would like to raise money to replace these lights that have become a hallmark for downtown Gonzales," she said.

Friedrich said Main Street Gonzales hopes to rewire downtown with LED lights, with donations from building owners and other charitable avenues.

She said LED lighting is more cost effective for operation and maintenance.

"Our preliminary cost estimate is about $12,000," she told building owners in her letter. "Since there are about 55 building owners in downtown, the average cost for the upgrade should be about $218 per owner, to restore this tradition."

Friedrich is hopeful each building owner will participate, as well as other organizations, businesses and individuals.

Friedrich explained the lights not only make downtown Gonzales more festive, they attract people downtown to look at the other beautiful decorations, eat in restaurants and shop with local merchants.

This will be the second time the lights have been replaced the in 19 years.

According to Friedrich, there is no time limit for donations, the project is open ended. Anyone interested in donating to the cause may visit Gonzalesmainstreet.org and use the PayPal option. 

Comments