Holiday Lights History | Part 5
History of Holiday Lights in Decorah, Iowa.
Part 1: Starting Holiday Lights
Part 2: Campground Operations
Part 3: Special Features/Walk Through Night
Part 4: Past Events
Part 5: Leadership, Memorable Stories
Leadership
Holiday Lights directors will be the first to tell you that this event is not possible without the dedication of volunteers and Helping Services staff.
Event Directors
John and Llew Jenkins, 2005-2007 seasons
Llew and John had the overwhelming task of getting the event off of the ground. They credit the support of all the people who really wanted to see this event work in Decorah. Llew is most proud of making her goal of paying off the initial investment of the displays in three years. Llew and John remain passionate about Decorah and its bright future.
Dennis (“Oz”) Osmundson, 2008-2017 seasons
Oz officially assumed management of the lights the fourth season of operation, with hands-on assistance from Dave Runyon. Oz had an amazing network of connections, thanks to his days as a high school biology teacher, wrestling coach, and South Winneshiek School athletic director. His friendly disposition gained him long-time volunteers, shaping the event into what it is today.
It was Oz who pushed for a freewill donation, discontinuing fixed entrance fees. Oz was also part of the Holiday 5K Run event that lasted four seasons.
Ben Krouse-Gagne, 2018-2023 seasons
Ben was hired as Director of Community Engagement, replacing Dennis Osmundson. Ben continued to bring in new sponsors and connect new people to the event. He contributed to growing the Walk Through Night by adding new food sponsors, and improving the safety of the event with portable lights and police presence.
Ben will be remembered for locating the vintage 1800s sleigh, now on display at the Santa house, and overseeing its new paint job. A mailbox for santa letters was also added during this time.
Helping Services Directors
Behind the scenes, Helping Services’ directors give valuable input and support to the Holiday Lights event. They lead by example, working side-by-side with volunteers on setup and take down, and serving as nightly supervisors.
Dave Runyon, Executive Director. 1988-2015
Carson Eggland, Executive Director 2015-present
Event Workers
Workers consist of Helping Services staff, part-time seasonal help, and volunteers. All are vital to the success of the event.
Setup and Maintenance Staff
For the first few years, the event ran solely with volunteers.Their enthusiasm and hard work could only go so far. The Helping Services’ Board, concerned with Dennis Osmundson’s workload and a shoulder injury, encouraged him to find part-time paid help. Ideally, the right person would have strong mechanical and electrical skills.
Tim Mueller, 2011-Present
Fortuitously, Oz left the meeting and ran into Larry Ingvalson, who provided lawn care for Helping Services at the time. He asked Larry if filling this position was something he would be interested in. He said no, but pointed to his friend, Tim Mueller, who just happened to be running the lawn mower at the time.
In Tim’s words, “Here these two fellas were looking at me as if I had done something wrong!”
Oz walked over to Tim and proposed the idea to him. One week later, an informal interview took place and Tim was hired for the 2011 season. It came to be one of the best decisions in event history.
Tim’s attention to details and pride in the Holiday Lights event is evident. He endlessly scans the displays for burnt out lights and patiently makes sure that animations are running correctly. Tim gives input for optimal placement so each display shines its best. His amazing skill set proves to be a valuable asset when he bulks up frames and pulls out his welding torch.
The bonus of having Tim, was also having his wife Barb’s help. Behind the scenes, Barb keeps meticulous records important to the event.
Jack Barloon, 2015-present
When long-time electrician, Jack Barloon, retired in 2014, Tim Mueller suggested to him that he help out with Holiday Lights.Tim knew that Jack’s special knowledge would be a great asset. The pair made a good team. Together, Tim and Jack have managed thousands of feet of electrical cord.
Having two employed, part-time mechanical/electrical gurus help strike the perfect balance. With Tim and Jack’s top-notch problem solving skills, the amazing duo can face any challenge. At times, they know when to tap into other talent. For those unnamed individuals, we are grateful!
Office Elves
Just like the North Pole, our office elves are busy all year round, getting ready for the Holiday Lights season. Their most important job: contributing ideas that make the event better!
There is much to do: managing contracts, ordering supplies, attending meetings, handling advertising/social media/website, designing programs and posters, endlessly editing and proofing, tracking timelines, helping out at the campground, and supervising nights.
Our office elves are loyal and dedicated. Their long-term relationship with the lights gives them an intimate understanding of the ins and outs of this ever-growing event. We are thankful to:
- Terry Casterton, Fiscal Manager, 1998-2022
- Kristie Baumler, Technology Support 1998-2008
- Julie Dotzenrod, Admin Assistant 2004-2007
- Renee Matt, Technology/Website 2006-present
- Erin Corradi, Communications Coordinator, 2009-2017
- Katie Lawless, Admin Assistant 2010-2015
- Jane Storlie, Admin Assistant 2014-present
- Meagan Hammel, Fiscal Manager, 2022-present
Volunteers
It would be impossible to mention every wonderful volunteer that has touched the Holiday Lights event. Volunteers cover setting up and taking down displays, taking care of maintenance, and work as nightly greeters. In addition, we thank everyone connected with the Walk Through Night, and even Santa himself!
Every season, we list these important people under “Donations of Time, Talent, & Energy” in the Holiday Lights Program.
To all of them, a very special THANK YOU
Favorite Stories
Engagements. The background of the lights makes a magical setting for marriage proposals. There are a few engagements that we know of, and probably some that we don’t! We are honored that these visitors have chosen the Lights to make for a special memory in their lives.
A thankful client. One evening, while an employee was opening the front gate, a jogger happened to run by. The woman stopped and asked the worker’s name. She provided it and said she worked for Helping Services. The anonymous woman expressed her gratitude for the lights and helping her in a domestic violence situation. It was a moving encounter, one the individual has never forgotten.
A new sponsor. On pre-opening nights, the Lights are often turned on for testing and changing bulbs. It sometimes attracts random visitors as they think the event is open. On such an occasion, a driver hesitantly drove in, puzzled by the displays. The event director greeted him, and the man asked, “What is this? This is amazing!” The director explained the event and that it supported Helping Services.
Although the man had local connections, his business was out of state. He was so impressed, however, that he wanted to be a part of it. Since 2013, he has been a dedicated sponsor of the event. His story is not the only one. After others visit, they too, ask how they can be a part of the magic. Maybe you’re next?
Special letters. On occasion, we receive a letter of thanks for the lights. These serve as reminders how important this event is to our visitors.
| A Letter From a Grateful Visitor My family and I would like to thank you all for the hours and hours of dedicated work. Santa made the evening special for my 3-year-old granddaughter. He was wonderful and we so enjoyed his visit with her. This is a token of gratitude for a wonderful evening. Also, for the help I received when I so desperately needed it many years ago. |
Part 1: Starting Holiday Lights
Part 2: Campground Operations
Part 3: Special Features/Walk Through Night
Part 4: Past Events
Part 5: Leadership, Memorable Stories
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This history was compiled by Renee Matt with interviews with Dave Runyon, Linda Watson, Joe & Kathy Schwartzhoff, Dennis ”Oz” Osmundson, Larry Grimstad, Tim Mueller, Jack Barloon, Perry Novak, John & Llew Jenkins, Wanda Hemesath, Carson Eggland, and Jane Storlie.