Organizers say Pampa Celebration of Lights grew again; volunteers and sponsors funded most costs

Organizers told the Pampa City Commission that the Celebration of Lights continued to expand and depends heavily on volunteers and community sponsors.

Dustin provided a seasonal overview and accounting: the revived display returned continually since 2017 and in the most recent season gate donations totaled about $31,005.31, corporate donations totaled roughly $7,226 and private donations approximately $4,500. He said the display purchased an animated LED tree and related hardware for about $28,000, noted increased operating costs for LED and maintenance items, and explained that some expenses had been planned and covered from restricted replacement funds (e.g., vehicle and dumpster replacement). Volunteers staffed the Cocoa Shack and gate; some corporate volunteers (UPS, Western Equipment, Excel Logistics) matched sales on certain nights or provided in-kind support such as utility poles to improve safety.

Dustin highlighted the operational challenges — weather impacted attendance for at least one large event, a late Thanksgiving in 2024 reduced open nights, and animal-transport legal issues forced a last-minute program change — but said moving the display to open the week before Thanksgiving improved revenue and attendance. He closed by thanking volunteers, sponsors and city staff and said planning for the next season begins immediately.

The commission applauded organizers and asked no additional action; the report was presented as informational.