Xenia, Ohio---Vandals have destroyed the holiday displays featuring more than 150,000 lights at Greene County Parks & Trails’ (GCP&T) popular Santa’s Holiday in the Park, the annual family event held at James Ranch Park in Xenia.
“The damage was discovered Tuesday morning,” says GCP&T Director Chrisbell Bednar. “The vandals removed individual lights and broke them, cut wires and holiday displays, tore down lighted archways and destroyed everything at the park. Lighted reindeer and other light displays were crushed. It’s devastating for our park team who work so hard to provide a family friendly and affordable holiday tradition to so many residents.”
Approximately 1,200 individuals have attended the event during the past two weekends.
The damage to the event is estimated at approximately $3,000 to $8,000 with the damage currently being evaluated.
This event is made possible through our sponsors and the donations received from families who attend, Bednar says.
As a result, Santa’s Holiday in the Park will not offer wagon rides or displays during its last weekend scheduled from 6:30 to 9 p.m. this Friday and Saturday. Guests are still encouraged to come to the event and visit with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, get their photographs taken, write a letter to Santa, receive a holiday tattoo, etc.
“Santa’s Holiday in the Park will continue this last weekend,” Bednar says, “and we would love to see everyone come out and create their own family memories.”
GCP&T Park Rangers have an active and ongoing investigation underway with several leads, Bednar adds.
“If anyone knows anything about this senseless vandalism,” she adds, “please call our park office at (937) 562-6457 or email [email protected]. All information will be kept confidential. We will not let this senseless act of vandalism ruin the holidays in Greene County.”