ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Vandals caused at least $100,000 in damages to the city’s Lights in the Parkway holiday display over the weekend, but the show will go on, officials said Tuesday.
“Move It Monday,” during which people can walk, run or bike through the display, will start as scheduled at 5:30 p.m. Monday, despite about 10% of lights being out of commission, according to Mayor Matt Tuerk’s estimate.
A Hanukkah celebration is set for Monday night at Lights in the Parkway.
And the annual attraction will be ready to welcome guests in vehicles by Tuesday night after Holiday Outdoor Decor loaned almost two dozen display pieces to help replace some of what was destroyed.
City crews on Monday were working to clear vandalized displays, officials said during a news conference.
Signature displays — like the Old Man Winter, Fishing Penguins and the Penguin with a Top Hat — were unsalvageable and declared “total losses”; they are valued at more than $60,000 total, according to the city. Several others also sustained damage.
The total cost of vandalism reaches into six figures when accounting for additional staffing and cleanup costs associated with the display and up to $13,000 in lost revenues, the mayor said.
'Incredible' response: Mayor
Lights in the Parkway raises funds for local nonprofits. Allen High School was due to receive funding from Sunday night’s gate receipts; the city will donate to the school and is encouraging others to help.
Allentown also is seeking donations to help replace damaged displays.
The vandalism “had a tremendous impact on what is a beloved community tradition for us."Mayor Matt Tuerk
Officials on Monday offered no update about the investigation into vandalism at Lights in the Parkway.
Allentown police will be “visible” at upcoming events, Tuerk said while encouraging "anybody with information about the damage done to our beloved” display to contact authorities.
The vandalism “had a tremendous impact on what is a beloved community tradition for us,” he said.
But residents’ response to the vandalism has been “incredible” and “so moving,” Tuerk said.
“Allentown is going to show up and celebrate, because you can knock Old Man Winter down, but you can't keep Allentown down,” Tuerk said.
