More than $38,000 was raised through this season’s Christmas at Panther Creek, the second-highest amount ever generated from the event. Five local nonprofits will each receive 10% of those funds.
A record amount of $49,300 was raised in 2020, while the prior record was set in 2019 at $20,840.
Ross Leigh, Daviess County Director of Parks & Recreation, said more than 6,300 vehicles visited Panther Creek Park between Nov. 26 and Jan. 2.
“We were blessed to have so many people come through the park and enjoy the lights in the 18th year,” he said.
The nonprofits benefiting from the fundraiser this year are the Kentucky State Police Professional Association, Right to Life of Owensboro, St. Benedict’s Homeless Shelter, WKWC 90.3 FM – Kentucky Wesleyan College and United Way of the Ohio Valley.
The other half of the funds will go back to preparing next year’s light show as they continue to expand the route and bring in new elements.
Additionally, Independence Bank sponsored the “Indy The Eagle Holiday Scavenger Hunt” for a second straight year. Visitors were invited to search for “Indy the Eagle” logos throughout the light display, marking the locations on a printed map.
“The scavenger hunt provided a fun challenge for families as they navigated the park and enjoyed the light displays,” Leigh said.
A random drawing was conducted on Tuesday to award the grand prize. Eli Johnson will receive a new Apple iPad Air, courtesy of Independence Bank.
Christmas at Panther Creek is scheduled to return on Nov. 25, 2022.
