Large donation made to Maytag Holiday Light display

Friends of Newton Parks announced Monday they had received an anonymous donation of $10,000 to help with the group’s holiday light display at Maytag Park.

“I was put into contact with the anonymous donor to discuss what we are trying to accomplish at Maytag Park. I was overwhelmed when on the phone they said they’d be giving Friends of Newton Parks $10,000. That just doesn’t happen every day. It was like Christmas!” Friends of Newton Parks spokesperson Jessica Lowe Vokes said.

The holiday light initiative is spearheaded by Newton Assistant Superintendent of Park Operations Jamie Murphy and the staff of the Newton Parks and Recreation department. One of the goals for this year’s display was to increase the electricity access around the park.

“This year, we looked to grow the display. One big hurdle in that growth was the lack of accessible electricity throughout the park. We went to Van Maanen Electric to price out adding outlets on some light poles around the park. This upgrade came with a $6,000 price tag,” Murphy said in a written statement at Wednesday’s park board meeting.

The anonymous donation will cover that expense and more. Organizers said the funds will help add extra electrical outlets throughout the park, which allows more light displays to be added. Lowe Vokes said the project benefits from the additions but it will also add these options year-round at the park.

“There is now electricity in locations there has never been before,” she said.

The remaining $4,000 will be used to expand the light displays but some will be saved in order to help with the maintenance and upkeep of the project. It will help the event continue to grow and make a lasting impression in town.

“We really want to ensure this becomes a beloved tradition in Newton,” Lowe Vokes said.

The large donation will go a long way in assisting the light display to bring the holiday spirit to Maytag Park. However, Lowe Vokes emphasized the amount of work and funds needed to put on a display of this size. Most people don’t consider the expense involved in the purchase of the displays, lights, cords and materials that are necessary. The parks department and Friends of Newton Parks have relied on the support of others in the community.

“We have had generous supporters including our title sponsor Clemon-Maki Insurance, and businesses and individuals sponsoring individual displays,” Lowe Vokes said. “We also sold Christmas trees that Jamie Murphy made out of old wooden pallets. They are amazing and raised more than $800.”

The fundraising efforts are still underway. The group plans a Breakfast with Santa event from 8 to 10 a.m. Dec. 7 at Park Centre. The event is freewill donation only with all of the proceeds going to the light fund. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in attendance with crafts for kids and delicious breakfast for all to enjoy.

The light display at Maytag Park was introduced in December of last year. Newton Parks and Recreation staff and volunteers decorated the park for the holidays. The display is back this year and with the donation, Lowe Vokes hopes it is bigger and better than ever.

“Thanks to the funding we secured from Clemon-Maki Insurance, our anonymous benefactor and display sponsors the park will feature even more displays and lights. Jamie Murphy and her talented volunteers and staff have created one-of-a-kind displays that are unique for our community,” Lowe Vokes said.

The display will expand on themes from last year including Santa’s workshop and toy drop featured at Maytag Pool. Improved lighting and benches are being added to the skating rink as well.

A portion of the lights will be available to view by Nov. 27 so people in town for the Thanksgiving holiday will have the opportunity to drive through the park and enjoy a preview of the light display. The official opening of the display will be Dec. 7. The light display will be open every evening until Jan. 2. The display is free and open to all.

Friends of Newton Parks has helped play a role in bringing the light display to Maytag Park, but Lowe Vokes credits Murphy and Nick Cummins with City of Newton Parks and their staff and volunteers for putting the display into motion and create something special for the community.

“l’m very excited about this year’s display. We will have so many new items to see in new areas of the park. It has been extremely fun to create the new displays and come up new ways to decorate the park. The community has been so receptive and supportive. It has been better than I ever imagined,” Murphy said.

Both Murphy and Lowe Vokes share a vision for the display to continue to make this a tradition not only for the residents of Newton but the surround communities and beyond.

“With Jasper County Courthouse lights and the work their amazing volunteers do, coupled with the Maytag Park Lights Display, Newton is on the map for being a very festive community. My hope is people will come in by cars, vans and bus loads to see Newton’s holiday spirit,” Lowe Vokes said.

Contact Pam Pratt at 641-792-3121 ext. 6530 or pampratt@newtondailynews.com

Sponsors for the 2019 Maytag Holiday Light Display

Title Sponsor — Clemon-Maki Insurance

Event sponsors — City of Newton and Friends of Newton Parks

Inkind sponsor — Smith Quality Rental

Display sponsors —

Edward Jones - Newton offices

TruBank

FNNB

Bob Van Arkel Family

Pet Kingdom

Todd & Val Brown

Hawkeye Mutual Insurance

Dodd’s Trash & Recycling

Mace Family Dentistry

Christenson Family

Great Southern Bank

Park Centre - A WesleyLife Community

Newton American Legion Riders Post 111

Newton Group

Accura Healthcare - of Newton East & Newton West