Preparations for the 2026 Rotary Lights in the Park are officially underway

Keith Behling, of the Rotary Lights in the Park Committee reports, preparations for the 2026 Rotary Lights in the Park are officially underway in Southwest Wisconsin. On Saturday morning, November 14, Sponsor Trees will arrive by 8:30 AM, and community volunteers are invited to assist with setting them up for display.

Volunteers will help prep 175 trees for attachment to steel posts. Tasks include trimming small branches, so tree trunks fit securely against the posts and securing each tree using the designated cable ties provided at each location. On-site training will be provided to guide everyone through the process. Attendees are encouraged to bring gloves, utility knives, hand pruning shears, and pliers, with their names clearly marked on all personal tools.

Completing this major effort marks a key milestone leading up to the grand opening on Thanksgiving night, November 26. Organizers extend their heartfelt thanks to all who dedicate their time to making this event the premier holiday lights display in the region.

Saturday morning, November 14, Sponsor Trees will be delivered by 8:30 AM. Volunteers are needed to prep trees for attachment to steel posts. Bring gloves (pine pitch is sticky), a utility knife for cutting twine, a hand pruning shear, and some pliers. It is best to write your name on your tools.

We will teach you the technique for this task. Likely small branches will need to be cut to allow getting the tree trunk tight to the steel post. Two cable ties will be at the post for each tree. Use those found at the post for the tree.

Completion of this task (175 trees) will be a milestone point in preparation for the November 26, Thanksgiving night opening of the 2026 Rotary Lights in the Park. In advance, thank you for volunteering. It is a big part of making it the best holiday lights show in SW Wisconsin.