The City of Noblesville has brightened and heightened its holiday spirit downtown. It has also departed from its “Classic Christmas” theme by purchasing new decorations for street poles – trees and snowflakes.
“The opportunity to change presented itself,” said Alaina Shonkwiler, Noblesville economic development specialist. “We had the classic lights for so long, we’re hoping the trees have an impact.”
Shonkwiler said the old swirl lights were seven years old and had become brittle from being exposed to the harsh winter conditions year after year. After last Christmas, discussion began on replacing them with Winterland, the company that installs the decorations at Forest Park.
“We looked at a lot of different options and Winterland pitched what would fit in downtown,” Shonkwiler said.
Since there are no street trees downtown the tree displays give that illusion.
“We don’t have the opportunity to decorate actual trees today,” Shonkwiler said. “The tree branch idea is similar to what Gatlinburg does.”
Shonkwiler said the tree displays are located on every other pole. At each corner of the Courthouse Square are four snowflake decorations. Shonkwiler said the lights extend one block off the square in each direction. On Conner Street, the decorations begin at 16th Street and run to just over the bridge, west of downtown. Logan Street lights extend to 10th Street because of residences.
“With the green poles we liked the look of white garland and lights because it looks like snow,” Shonkwiler said. “I’ve seen so many families come and take their photos in front of the new decorations downtown.”
In addition to the city, Hamilton County has increased its holiday display this year. To ensure the displays didn’t clash, Shonkwiler said the two government entities worked together.
“We talked about combining forces,” she said. “The city does decorations on street poles. Hamilton County does decorations on the Courthouse Square lawn, fencing and its trees.”
