A new community fundraiser is hoping to bring renewed holiday spirit to Linton’s Humphreys Park.

The Tree-mendous Lights of Linton project will raise funds to repair and replace the park’s Christmas lights, which were heavily damaged by vandalism.

Organizer Tomi Anderson said the purchase of decorated trees will directly benefit the park’s holiday light display.

“The Christmas lights at the park create a beautiful scene for families and friends to enjoy over the holiday season,” Anderson said. “After a few acts of vandalism, the reality hit this year that almost all of the lights were ruined.”

Anderson said the city does not have unlimited funding for large-scale holiday displays.

“Lights and displays are very expensive,” she said. “We would love to have huge displays like many places have, but it just doesn’t fit in the budget.”

After gauging community interest earlier this year, Anderson said organizers preordered 75 trees as a starting goal.

“We’re hoping to grow this project each year, but we thought 75 would be a great start,” she said.

The idea was inspired by decorated trees displayed at Hanna Field in Jasonville. Anderson said she approached the mayor and clerk-treasurer over the summer about launching a similar effort in Linton to help fund the park lights. She also reached out to several local businesses to help get the project off the ground.

“We are ready to see how this project takes off,” she said.

Community members are encouraged to purchase and decorate a tree in creative ways. Anderson said trees may be used to honor a loved one, represent a graduating class, promote a business or simply spread holiday cheer.

“I would like to encourage people to purchase a tree,” Anderson said. “The options are limitless.”

Anderson emphasized that the project is designed for broad community involvement. Families, sports teams, clubs, organizations and businesses are all welcome to participate. Volunteer hours will also be available for setup and teardown, which she noted would be ideal for National Honor Society students and other service groups.

“We would love to have community support,” Anderson said. “We also have a few other ideas we’d like to do or work with other fundraising groups that would go along with this project.”

For more information about purchasing a tree or volunteering, Anderson encourages residents to call or text 812-798-1236.