Parks commission narrows Windcrest Light Up theme choices, forwards three finalists to City Council

The Windcrest Parks and Recreation Commission on Tuesday reviewed suggestions for the city—s annual Light Up celebration and voted to send three finalists to City Council for final selection.

Commissioners discussed several dozen theme submissions and agreed to exclude entries that used copyrighted titles. A staff presenter warned that using explicitly copyrighted titles in a theme name could force the city to defend against legal claims: "we could invite a lawsuit for the city," the presenter said, urging the commission to favor broad, non-specific phrasing or public-domain material.

After rounds of discussion and tallying, commissioners selected theme numbers 4, 8 and 31 as the three submissions to forward. A commissioner moved that the three theme suggestions be sent to City Council; the motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous voice vote. Staff said the package will be presented to council on the 18th and noted submissions must be completed before Jan. 10.

City staff also provided operational updates for this year—s Light Up events: a dedication-tree ceremony was held the night before the meeting; the city has wrapped trees on the City Hall lawn and will install large 36-inch ornaments bearing the Windcrest logo. Decorations on some trees will remain white where the existing wiring cannot be altered, and staff said they will use blue floodlights on building facades to fit the theme. The City will publish a photo gallery from the dedication event and expects additional decorations to be in place ahead of next week—s ceremonies.

Staff confirmed key event dates and deadlines: Light Up is scheduled for the 7th, the community Bake Off for the 8th, a bike ride for the 10th and a Ho Ho Ho market in mid-December; the final day to submit to be included on the City—s Light Up map is November 30. Staff said a registration form for the Bake Off will be released via the city—s newsflash and social channels.

The commission emphasized that broad theme language or public-domain material will reduce legal risk and allow community members to participate without the city using protected titles. The City Council will make the final theme choice from the three finalists forwarded by the commission.