From the City of Alliance HR Office
As the November sun sets over Central Park, something magical begins to take shape. Long before the community gathers for the annual countdown, the real work happens quietly—inside the City shop, on the back of a trailer, and high above the fountain with the help of a boom truck. This year marks the third annual Lighting of the Fountain, a new tradition that ushers in the holiday season and leads into the Luminary Walk to the Knight Museum for the 29th Annual Christmas Festival. But, behind those glowing arches and shimmering strands of light is a team effort, a bit of engineering, and a whole lot of holiday spirit.
The fountain lights themselves were purchased in 2023 through a joint partnership between the City and the Parks Foundation. The display includes approximately 2,500 lights. About a quarter of them are delicate twinkle lights that create the gentle illusion of flowing water, while each arch is outlined with glowing rope-light strands. Some strands flicker softly, adding just the right amount of sparkle.
Assembly begins in the shop the week before Thanksgiving. Staff bring in a trailer and build the bottom tier right on its deck, strapping it down securely for transport. Using special wiring “pigtails,” they test every strand, swapping out any that need replacement. Keeping everything in top condition is important, so extra strands are always ready. Installation day starts early. The Electric Department meets at the fountain with a boom truck and carefully lifts the assembled bottom tier from the trailer to the ground. Next, they raise each section of the top tier, holding them in place so crews can bolt everything together. Once the two tiers become one, the boom truck hoists the finished structure and places it atop the fountain pedestal. The team straps it down, secures cable tie-downs around the fountain’s edge, tests the lights once more, and then covers the pedestal with evergreen garland, a final festive touch. It’s currently sitting, waiting patiently for the big reveal. The lights spend the off-season stored safely indoors, away from weather and sun, preserved for future years of holiday celebrations.
On the night of the ceremony, when the countdown begins and the fountain erupts in a warm glow, all that preparation becomes worth it. It’s a moment that brings neighbors together, kicks off the joy of the Christmas season, and turns Central Park into a place of winter wonder.
A Special thanks to the Parks and Electric Department that makes the magic happen!