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4/ TheBucknerClarion.com November 6, 2014 Lights in the Park Park Board and Volunteers Prep for Nov. 27 visit the Chicago Street Lights during Christmas, at least once if not two or three times," she said. Last year, several families from surrounding areas, including Bishop's, made the drive to Buckner to continue their tradition. "It was beautifully done," she said. Animated lights lined both sides of the park, from top to bottom, similar to the set-up on Chicago Street. Lights at the park can also be viewed from a horse-drawn carriage for a nominal fee. The carriage ride begins at the top entrance of the park and travels to the bottom before looping back around, enabling carriage riders to view both sides of the park. Park visitors are admitted entrance for no cost but donations are requested. As part of an agreement with Steiner, 10 percent of all proceeds are donated to Buckner Elementary School teachers. The remaining donations are divided between the seven nonprofit organizations that volunteer to operate the welcoming booth and provide assistance to visitors. Last year, the event raised $8,000. Yvonna Stapleton, city administrator, was among the many who worked diligently to ensure a successful transition last year. "We are expecting this year to be as big of a success as last year and we believe it will grow with each year. The City is so grateful to be able to provide this for everyone to enjoy. The donations collected are going to very worthy causes," she said. The work begins long before the lighting switch is flipped. Beginning the weekend of October 31, board members and residents alike will begin the light assembly. By Jessica Mauzey For more than three decades, Steve Steiner built a lengthy display up and down Chicago Street in Blue Springs. Lining 55 houses, the "Chicago Street Lights" became infamous in the city and surrounding areas. After announcing his retirement in early 2013, Steiner began the search to find an organization he could donate the lights to. The Mayor of Buckner, Dan Hickson, and Public Works Superintendent and Park Board Director, Ed Burns, reached out to Steiner. The duo thoughtfully explained how the series of displays would enhance the already existing Christmas tradition hosted in the local park. Several other cities and towns also pleaded for the display, but Steiner chose to make the Heisler- Burns Park in Buckner the new home. "It was far more than what we anticipated. We had hoped for it. I figured with all of the bigger cities around, they would get it instead of us. We're kind of an unlikely little town out in the country. Kind of like how Christ was born in an unlikely spot," Hickson told KCTV 5 news. For several years, the Buckner Park Board has decorated the trees in lights and created displays that stretched through the park. With the new addition, started in 2013, the entire park was filled with motion displays and a series of lights that tells the story of Jesus Christ. As for Steiner, he estimated in an average season, 50 thousand visitors would drive through the designated street to enjoy the displays in Blue Springs. For many, this was a yearly tradition. Nichole Bishop, Blue Springs resident, was one of the many visitors. "Our family would often Volunteers will have the opportunity to help most weeknights as well as through the weekends. The lighting ceremony tradition continues this Thanksgiving evening, November 27, at dark. Last year, hot chocolate was available as well as a small fireworks display right before the lighting ceremony. This season, the display will be open nightly from Thanksgiving through the beginning of January. Details will be released as they become available on the Friends of Heisler-Burns Park Facebook page. To volunteer for the light set-up, contact Ed Burns at 816.801.9327. Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

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