This season’s “Christmas at Panther Creek,” which drew nearly 10,000 vehicles, shattered records and generated $49,300 — with half of that being split evenly between five local nonprofits.
The Owensboro Lions Club, The Arc of Owensboro Inc./Opportunity Center, Joe Ford Nature Center, New Beginnings Sexual Assault Support Services, and the Stanley Playground Association will each receive checks for almost $5,000.
Last year, officials said the event drew 3,472 vehicles and generated $20,840.
“It has been a tremendous year,” Daviess County Parks Director Ross Leigh said in a video posted to Fiscal Court’s Facebook Page. “It has been a very humbling experience. It’s really a special opportunity to not only enjoy the lights but also support our nonprofit agencies in Daviess County.”
Any Daviess County nonprofit agency can reach out to the Parks Department for more information on how to participate in next year’s event.
The remaining funds — roughly $25,000 — goes to Fiscal Court and will be reinvested into the annual lights display.
Ross said he is already working on how to proceed with a new lighted tunnel, something they have never provided before.
This year, the Parks and Recreation Department partnered with Independence Bank to create the “Indy the Eagle” Scavenger Hunt that allows families to interact with the display. Families used a provided map to identify all the mascots throughout the setup, and they had the opportunity to enter in a drawing for a chance to win an iPad Air.
