SARTELL, Minn. — It's not even Thanksgiving and apparently, the Grinch is already in full-tilt, anti-holiday mode.
Organizers of the 2023 Country Lights Festival in Sartell posted on their Facebook page late last week that someone had cut 90 percent of the light strands set up for this year's display, which was to feature more than a million lights spread out over 33 acres surrounding Lake Francis.
The annual holiday spectacular is put on by volunteers will help from a number of community sponsors.
Sartell Police Chief Brandon Silgjord confirmed to KNSI News that the number of strands impacted and the way they were cut suggests foul play rather than animals chewing on them or some other explanation.
"Even as law enforcement officers, it just kind of bothers you because it’s something that was really nice for our citizens to gather at and spread some holiday cheer, and kids love the lights," Silgjord said. "It begs the question of why? What motive would someone have to really want to damage property like this that is such a positive thing for our community?”
The Chief says there are surveillance cameras set up at the Sartell Community Center that abuts the display, but nothing that covers the more remote area where the damage took place.
Just like in the iconic TV special, there appears to be a happy ending in the works. After news of the vandalism spread residents began donating money for new lights, and volunteering on the re-stringing crew so The Country Lights Festival will be up and running by opening night, Friday, Nov. 24.
There is still work to be done. Organizers are asking for additional volunteers to stop by the site Thursday, Nov. 9 and Friday, Nov. 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. They are hoping for at least 20 people each day. Visit their volunteer signup web page for more information.
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