Donation form
This fund supports the Christmas of the Past Program to replace the holiday lights around the city
If you would like to donate to this fund, please use the above form and send your donation to the Merrill Chamber Foundation Christmas of the Past Program, 705 N. Center Ave, Merrill, WI 54452. Please include your name and address.
More info:
For many years, the city rented lights which were then installed throughout the city in late November. In 2010 the city opted to purchase lights from a company in Minnesota. Those new LED lights would save the city money in the end with a one-time purchase instead of paying rent every fall. The lights at the time of purchase had a 10-year life expectancy.
15 years later, the lights are clearly showing their age and need to be replaced. Merrill Mayor Steve Hass, along with Alderman Michael “Gus” Caylor began talks with the chamber over a year ago to begin a program that would allow residents past and present as well as local civic group the opportunity to purchase new lights in honor or in memory of those who have always made Christmas special for them.
“My mother was all about Christmas; she had up to five trees in her house, and every year she would take pictures to remember what went where for the next year. When she passed, our family agreed that a great lasting legacy would be to help decorate the city in a more traditional manner with some more festive holiday lights,” Caylor said.
Mayor Steve Hass said, “as a child I remember the city had lights all over the city, including a large arch in the Sixth Ward,” and added, “while our residents do a phenomenal job in decorating their homes, I would like the city to show more of the holiday spirit without it being a burden on the taxpayers.”
With 100 lights to be replaced, the process may take a year or two to complete. The city would likely start installing the sponsored lights in November of 2026 and continue replacing them as more donors come forward. The Minnesota-based company that sold the city the lights in 2010 is also offering a rebate program, so it is likely that the more lights that are purchased at a single time, would allow for the rebate to go to additional lighting.
Donation forms and the light choices can be found on the Merrill Chamber website, because the Chamber is using its 501 C3, your contributions are completely tax-deductible. Both Hass and Caylor are also hoping to generate enough interest and potentially corporate sponsorship to bring back some of the historic arches that once graced the city.
