SHELBYVILLE, IL. —
They came for the lights and stayed to enjoy what Shelbyville had to offer.
The annual Festival of Lights was a boost to local businesses with visitors staying to eat and shop in Shelbyville.
“I think with the media coverage the Festival got the exposure,” said committee chairman Tad Mayhall.
Mayhall said the Festival brought over 5,000 vehicles through the six-week light show. Two area television stations broadcast features about the Festival of Lights which Mayhall attributes to the increase in visitors.
Visitors came from communities such as Jacksonville, Shatham, Springfield, Champaign, and Chicago.
Not only did businesses benefit from the Festival, but also the entrepreneurship class at Shelbyville High School saw an increase in orders for their welded trees and other side decorations.
“The cooperation with the students’ partnership is great. It helps both projects,” Mayhall said.
“This is a great opportunity for the kids with a real hands-on business,” said Shelbyville High School business teacher John Tynan.
The entrepreneurship and welding classes have combined to build and sell welded Christmas trees over the past three years. According to Tynan, they have sold about 300 trees over the past few years and already have orders for 50 more. This year they have expanded to build gift boxes to accompany the trees. Next year they plan to include stars.
“The community support has been overwhelming.” Tynan said. He especially acknowledges the Festival of Lights committee for helping the students in the endeavor.
Money from the Festival donations have not only gone toward the upkeep and expansion of the lights, but also have gone to increasing the program at the school, such as helping to buy new welding equipment and giving the class real capital to start a real business.
“It’s an experience given to the kids. If we can organically grow local business, we can retain the students,” Mayhall said.
Volunteers are needed to help take down the lights displays.
“Just show up at the park maintenance building after 9 a.m. to help. Bill (Bly) is always looking for extra hands,” Mayhall said.
Homepage
Related Photos
-
The Festival of Lights was touted a success for both local businesses and Shelbyville High School students. Daily Union file photo
Lights Festival boost to local business, student projects
- Local News
-
Senator Chapin Rose
-
Rose presents position on Ameren power line
Although an agreement was reached to keep the proposed Ameren power line route out of Shelby County, one state senator believes the whole project is unnecessary and should be scrapped.
- Pana man charged with Attempted Murder
- Keeping skin healthy at SMH's Girls Night Out
- Shelby Area Sports Schedule
- Cornhole tourney, bicycle safety day set
-
Rose presents position on Ameren power line
- Obituaries
-
-
Jean E. Shull
Jean E. Shull, 88, of Shelbyville, IL, died at 9:39 a.m. Tuesday, June 18, 2013 in her residence at the Villas of Holly Brook, Shelbyville, IL.
- Dale W. Vogel
- Coy Joe Thomas
- Jean E. Shull
- Dorene Edwards Waggoner
-
- Homepage
-
Senator Chapin Rose
-
Rose presents position on Ameren power line
Although an agreement was reached to keep the proposed Ameren power line route out of Shelby County, one state senator believes the whole project is unnecessary and should be scrapped.
-
Pana man charged with Attempted Murder
A Pana man faces attempted murder charges following an altercation with his brother Monday night.
- Keeping skin healthy at SMH's Girls Night Out SHELBYVILLE, IL, June 12, 2013 --- Skin is the largest organ of the human body. It protects you from bacteria and viruses, helps you sense the outside world through touch, and regulates your body temperature. Skin cancer is the most common type of ca
-
Rites for Old Glory
More than 450 flags were retired Friday evening in a ceremony at the VFW. Friday, June 14, was Flag Day.
-
Messianic Man of Steel
The latest film version of Superman isn't just sci-fi action movie about a super-human crime fighter. It's also a Greek tragedy, revealing Superman's inner turmoil and his eventual emergence as a messiah, the messianic "Man of Steel."
-
Rose presents position on Ameren power line
- Celebrations
-
-
Youngs to celebrate 50th anniversary
Larry and Carol Young of Shumway will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sunday, June 23. Larry Young, son of the late Dee and Lillian Young, and Carol Reeder, daughter of the late Earl and Juanita Reeder, were married June 23, 1963 at the M
-
James Gandolfini Dies at Age 51
Fmr. TWA Flight 800 Investigators Want New Probe
Raw: Heat, Spurs Back on Court Ahead of Game 7
Dolce and Gabbana Convicted of Tax Evasion
Paris, Prince Depositions Used in Jackson Trial
Coiffed Cattle Get Their Close-up
In Berlin, Obama Channels Cold War Activism
Police at Patriots Tight End's Home for 2nd Day
Fed Suggests Bond Purchases Could Slow
AP: DOJ Broke Own Rules Seizing Phone Records
Raw: Baby White Rhino Debuts at Australian Zoo
Time Lapse: Rebuilding Bridge Post-collapse
Ohio Woman Accuses 3 of Holding Her Captive
Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends
