SHELBYVILLE, Ill. (WAND)- Lights Coordinator Bill Bly says that ever since he installed the new LED light bulbs, all he's gotten is compliments.
"We have people going through all the time in the daytime to look at them because like I say, they are painted the same color. The light bulbs, (when) the lights are not on, but yet you can still see the fixtures themselves, and what they look like," said Bly.
The turnout this year has been average, which he attributes to several factors, with the first being the stormy weather.
Bly continues, "Unfortunately though we've had some bad weather nights. Our walk through this year bummed out because of the cold, rainy and wind. Last year, we had over a thousand people walk through. This year it was only 60 that braved weather."
And second, the lack of volunteers.
"We were in dire need for help, and we had about 30 pieces out there were heavy, we couldn't get it up," said Bly.
Luckily, right before opening day, some individuals came to help out.
"Then a junior high school, about 15 of them, and four teachers, came out. They showed up and put up 20 of those big pieces. And then a few days later the high school girls basketball team came out and put up those six big pieces. If it weren't for them, those might still be on the ground," said Bly.
While the last minute help is appreciated, Bly hopes to have more volunteers in the future.
"There is a lack of volunteers to help put the stuff up. Every year, somebody or some group has come to the rescue, at the last moment. It makes me a nervous wreck, you know?" said Bly.
Bly mentioned that he has 30,000 bulbs not in use since swapping them. He invites anyone who may need replacements to come down and take as many as they need, free of charge.
The festival of lights runs until December 29th.
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