The anticipated opening of the Christmas Lite Show at LMCU Ballpark has been delayed due to vandalism, with damages estimated at $8,000. This setback was confirmed by the Kent County Sheriff's Office after a man was recorded on surveillance footage causing significant damage to the holiday display Tuesday night. WWMT reported that the popular attraction, a tradition for nearly three decades and drawing thousands of visitors, now faces an uncertain reopening as the community and organizer, veteran William "Billy" Schrader, address repairs and setbacks.
Schrader, who is celebrated for his 28 years of military service, including earning two Purple Hearts and the Silver Star, found post-service purpose in the annual light show he started in 1998. The incident occurred on Schrader's 95th birthday and he spent the day fixing the damage rather than celebrating, according to WOODTV who also mentioned that the American Legion Post 179 is offering a $1,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the vandal responsible for this disruption.
The Christmas Lite Show at LMCU Ballpark, created by Schrader to bring holiday cheer, is known for its significant donations to the Michigan Veterans Homes in Grand Rapids, according to MLive. The revenue from the display supports veterans and serves as a holiday tradition for many families. This year’s incident marks the first disruption in the show’s 27-year history, preventing up to 1,500 visitors from attending the opening day's light display.
The staff, many of whom are veterans, have come together to repair the extensive damage, with plans to reopen the event by the upcoming Saturday. In a statement to WOODTV, Schrader, who organized the two-mile light display featuring intricate designs such as the water tunnel made up of 26,400 lights, expressed his disappointment but remained hopeful, saying, "Now we’re starting repair mode." He added, "I have so many good workers who are putting it all together. We’ll be open on Saturday night. And Santa Claus is going to be here also."
While the Kent County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate, public assistance is requested in identifying the perpetrator. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Kent County Sheriff's Office at (616) 632-6125 or Silent Observer at (616) 774-2345.
