This time you can’t blame the Grinch for an act of vandalism to a Christmas lighting display.

Discover Crane Inc. recently shared its disappointment on their social media, after vandals struck the community’s Christmas light display in the city park. The organization had been working to create a festive and welcoming atmosphere for residents as the holiday season approached, but those efforts were quickly disrupted when decorations were damaged shortly after being installed. Photos released by the group show strands of lights pulled down, sections of the pavilion disturbed, and benches and surrounding areas left in disarray. Last year, the Christmas light display was also vandalised.

“What a disappointment!!! The vandalism has already started on our Christmas lights in the park. If anyone has any information on who was involved. PLEASE reach out and help us stop any more from getting destroyed,” Stated Discover Crane. “We are just trying to do something nice for our community.”

The Christmas lights in the park is a newly established community effort which Discover Crane is hoping to make a cherished tradition. In its first year the event drew many visitors and residents together and marked the start of holiday celebrations in Crane. 

“Discover Crane Inc had been hit hard by theft and vandalism of our lights this year. We’ve lost over $300 worth of lights and extension cords and countless hours of volunteer labor,” Discover Crane President Staci Young said. “This project is an event based solely upon bringing joy to our community. The ongoing destruction takes away from the displays we’re putting up this year, but it won’t stop the progress. Discover Crane asks that anyone with information about the theft and vandalism, please contact the Crane Police Department”

The full article is available at bransontrilakesnews.com.

(Story by Sarah Powell, bransontrilakesnews.com)