Life's cash crisis dims yule light show's future
Mary MacDonald - Staff
Friday, July 26, 2002
 

A cash-flush Santa needs to visit four months early if the Lights of Life are to shine this holiday season.

The stunning array of 2 million bulbs, crafted into a five-story Santa, flying reindeer, toy soldiers, elves and other Christmas icons could stay in storage if Life University can't find a sponsor to help pay the tab.

The chiropractic college is in crisis cost-cutting mode, and spending $350,000 for its annual extravagant light display seems unseemly. The school is willing to turn it over to someone else.

"We need the community to support the lights," said Will Hurst, a school spokesman. "We want to save it."

The largest free holiday light show in the state runs on kilowatts and labor. It takes a team of electricians about six weeks to install. The setup process begins in September.

The school pulled in about $100,000 in donations last year after an estimated 2 million people drove through the campus gaping --- and gasping --- at the scene.

It started humbly 13 years ago, but soon grew to consume the campus. Traffic jams have made the experience a two-hour commitment on weekends in recent years.

The university has not approached anyone about taking over the lights. But benefactors are welcome, Hurst said.

"I don't know if the city of Marietta wants to appropriate funds," he said. "But if [city officials\] do, it would be welcomed on our part."

Santa isn't likely to be played by Marietta Mayor Bill Dunaway.

"The city is in no financial condition to even consider it," he said.