KOKOMO — The sad news is that Kokomo's We Care Park has ended its 27-year run. The good news is that it went out with a bang.
Mike and Nancy Wyant operated the impressive holiday light display on Kokomo's north side from Thanksgiving to just after Christmas since the 1990's. Donations were accepted from those who drove or walked through the three-acre We Care Park. Money collected was given to local non-profits.
The light show was featured on ABC's "Great Christmas Light Fight," two-years ago.
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Despite the pandemic and the financial troubles many are facing, We Care Park raised $118,000 during its final run — a record, according to Mike Wyant. In fact, it's the first time donations exceeded $100,000.
This week, Mike and Nancy were honored at a meeting of the Kokomo City Council, where the couple presented two checks, each for $20,000, that are going to local organizations — the Carver Community Center and the Kokomo Fraternal Order of Police for its Shop With Cops yearly event.
The rest of the money will benefit other local non-profits.
Mike and Nancy Wyant decided to put an end to We Care Park because they are getting older and two of their helpers have passed away. It's just a lot of work.
But all is not lost. A local tree company owner hopes to display the lights — and there are thousands of them — at another spot in Kokomo.