Five local organizations are receiving donations of $2,753 each thanks to the funds raised during Daviess County’s Christmas at Panther Creek event, which brought in a total of $27,533.
The organizations — which are selected by a random draw — collectively receive half of the total event proceeds. This year’s beneficiaries were Wendell Foster Center, Joe Ford Nature Center, Owensboro Regional Recovery, Elite SAR Training and Southern Oaks Elementary PTO all were recipients after a lottery draw.
The organizations provide volunteers at the gate, accepting the $5 vehicle admission.
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.
Officials said the five-week event, which has a $5-per-car entry fee, drew 5,500 vehicles and served between 16,000-20,000 patrons.
That meant less funds than the previous two years — a record amount of $49,300 was raised in 2020, while more than $38,000 was raised in 2021 and.
Daviess County Judge-Executive Charlie Castlen said that the lower number was likely due to being closed due to inclement weather on two of the typically busiest nights.
“There were two nights that we had to shut down because it was dangerously cold, and so these numbers would have been higher if we had had those nights because those were right before Christmas,” Castlen said.
Applications for nonprofits to volunteer for the 2023 event will open in September. For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation office at 270-685-6142.
