'Light Up Monroe' event drew praise despite storm, committee members say

Committee members recapped the July 4 "Light Up Monroe" event and said turnout and community response were positive despite a brief storm. The Chair listed volunteers who helped set up — including Ray, Donna Lynn, Erin, Addie/Adeline, Stephanie and "Duke" — and said organizers distributed luminaria and rang bells as part of the program. "It was the best program that the town of Monroe put on," the Chair said when describing attendees' feedback.

Members described a storm that occurred during the event; while paper bags holding candles melted in places, members said the candles themselves remained lit at the placements and there was no reported loss of the overall display. A committee member said the visual effect after the storm was still beautiful and that public works and volunteers completed teardown and clean-up the following morning. The Chair and members thanked specific volunteers and noted press coverage and social media posts recorded positive reactions.