The vandalism at Allentown’s Lights in the Parkway that prompted its closure over the weekend is now estimated to have cost the city $100,000, according to officials. But thanks to a local company’s generosity, the holiday lights display will fully reopen Tuesday.
In a news conference Monday, Mayor Matt Tuerk told reporters that the vandalism caused extensive damage — estimated at about $60,000 — to five displays. Damage included bent light poles and posts, crushed light bulbs and portable restrooms that were pushed into a creek.
The total cost is about $100,000 when staffing, cleanup costs and loss of revenue are included, Tuerk said.
The city confirmed in a Monday afternoon news release that several displays were total losses and not salvageable, including “Old Man Winter,” “Penguin with the Top Hat,” and “Fishing Penguins.”
But, the city said, Holiday Outdoor Decor, an Allentown company, reached out to the city and is loaning 22 display pieces to help replace those that were damaged. That will allow the display to reopen to vehicle traffic Tuesday night, provided there are no additional setbacks.
After closing the event Sunday, the city reopened it Monday for a walkthrough event.
Allentown Parknership has started a fundraising campaign to help with the repairs. Those who wish to donate may do so at givebutter.com/25lights.
The city said Allen High School lost a day of donations as the featured nonprofit benefiting from the lights display Sunday. It said it still plans to give Allen a stipend for the day, and encouraged additional donations.
Allentown police are investigating the vandalism.
