Phase II of Downtown Hill City Lighting project Oct. 25

Despite the cold, rainy morning, 25 community members showed up at the Visitor Information Center  (VIC) to help untangle Christmas lights for the Downtown Hill City Lighting project. The group sorted 75,000 lights in two and a half hours. 

There are now 8,425 feet of LED lights ready to wrap the 47 old-fashioned light poles that stretch from the Little White Church to Krull’s Market in Hill City. 

“This whole project couldn’t have happened if Carl Doaty hadn’t gathered all these lights and safely stored them for future use.  Thank you, Carl. You have the spirit,” said organizer Pete Stach. 

Phase II of the Downtown Hill City Lighting project is to clean and paint the candle sticks on the wreaths that have been going up on the light poles for years. The candle sticks need to be sanded to get rust spots off, spray painted and have new bulbs installed. 

There are 55 wreaths with three candles on each. Stach is looking for 20 volunteers to come to the VIC Saturday, Oct. 25, at 9 a.m. to help. Stach is hoping to get everyone home by lunch or early afternoon. 

“The poor wreaths just need to look like we care to put them up. Any and all help would be appreciated. If you have a palm or orbital sander we can get through this in no time,” said Stach. “It takes a village for a project like this, and it takes someone to say, ‘Yes, we can do this.’ I took the position of leader of the pack. I need a pack to get it done.”

On a separate project, the Downtown Deli and Bakery has 15 metal trees that need to be decorated at the VIC. Stach went to thrift stores and purchased 500 ornaments for $28, and Krull’s Market sold them garlands at cost. Now, the trees need to be decorated. To volunteer, contact Stach at 605-209-8413. 

Phase III will start Nov. 15. Stach said they will need 10-foot ladders and people to climb.  Thanks to Adam Bodensteiner of Boden Construction, there is an all terrain scissor lift available for use that day. 

“We need boots on the ground to wrap the lights around the poles after they are placed above the wreath bracket. This is a rain, snow or sunshine project as all of the preliminary work will not be wasted on not getting it done,” said Stach. “Just imagine what this will look like the night of the Parade of Lights. You will need to be present to win the feeling that this will give you. There is a lot of pride and get it done attitude in this city, and I hope you all have buttons popping off your shirt when this city lights up.

“It will be because of folks like you. I hope to see you Oct. 25 to get this task completed.  As always, any monetary contribution will be gratefully accepted.”