Winter Wonderland comes to Robe-Ann Park

With lights criss-crossing the roof and wrapping the support posts, Shelter No. 1 is just one of the things that will be lighting up Greencastle Robe-Ann Park beginning Saturday, Dec. 5.

Courtesy Greencastle Civic League

More than 30,000 lights have been installed at Robe-Ann Park, transforming the space into a Winter Wonderland.

The effort is thanks to hundreds of volunteer hours and thousands of dollars raised from businesses, community organizations and individuals.

The Greencastle Civic League has spearheaded the initiative, in collaboration with the Putnam County Convention & Visitor Bureau and in partnership with the Greencastle Parks and Recreation Department.

The lights will officially turn on for the season at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 5 with a lighting ceremony and will be on daily from 5-10 p.m. until Jan. 7.

“We are excited to bring a little more joy and beauty into the community for the holiday season and we are grateful for all of the support we have received in bringing this festival to life,” Civic League President Megan Linneweber said.

The experience can be enjoyed by car, bike or foot. For three Saturdays in December, activities will be held at the park as part of the light festival.

On opening night, the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a winter market from 4:30 to 8 p.m.

On Dec. 12, Main Street Greencastle will host a 5K Jingle Run and visits with Santa.

On Dec. 19, the Covered Bridge Harmony women’s barbershop chorus will perform.

Donations for the food pantry and non-food pantry will also be collected at each of these three events.

Admission to the Winter Wonderland Lights Festival is free, but donations will be accepted at the entrance on the west side of the park, off Bloomington Street. Additional funds will be used to purchase additional supplies for future years.

“We would love to see this experience expand throughout the park and add music to make it a true festival experience,” said Kate Knaul, who is leading the initiative. “The only way to do that is to continue to have community support to purchase and install the lights.”

Special thanks to Allison Lehr and Tom Silvey for the encouragement and a considerable amount of equipment, and to Jaye Beetem, who created the design for the park, which includes a gingerbread house, PVC-pipe trees and more.