05/13/2025
One woman can make a difference!
Over 20 years ago, it was the vision of a single local Staunton woman to create an event in the local park for others to enjoy at Christmas. She had been to other cities where they had such an event and wondered why we could not do that here in Staunton. She contacted a few other people who loved the holiday season and after many meetings, including the consent and collaboration of the City Council of Staunton, The Celebration of Holiday Lights Committee was born. Years later, she also had the idea of creating the Field of Deer where people could, for a nominal fee place a deer in the area of the pool to either honor or place in memory a deer for their loved ones. That woman was Thelma Newman.
With her support and guidance, this event has become well known through Staunton, Waynesboro, Augusta County and the surrounding areas. Generally over 30,000 plus cars visit the park during the 5 weeks that the event is open in the park November and December.
Thelma passed away on May 6th at the age of 85. Her legacy lives on as the committee continues to carry on with the event. Thank you, Thelma, for your vision in creating this event as well as many other contributions that you have made to the city of Staunton, Virginia.
