Christmas of the Past Program launched to replace aging holiday lights

The City of Merrill and Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce have introduced a community-driven initiative to replace holiday lights on light poles throughout the city.
The Christmas of the Past Program allows residents, former community members, and civic groups to purchase new lights in honor or in memory of loved ones, especially those who helped make Christmas special for them. The effort aims to replace the approximately 100 aging LED snowflake lights currently in use.
The existing lights were purchased in 2010 from a Minnesota company as a cost-saving measure after years of renting seasonal decorations. While the lights had a 10-year life expectancy at purchase, they’ve remained in use for five additional years and are now showing significant wear.
Mayor Steve Hass and Alderman Michael “Gus” Caylor initiated discussions with the Chamber more than a year ago to develop the replacement program.
“My mother was all about Christmas; she had up to five trees in her house, and every year she would take pictures to remember what went where for the next year,” Caylor said. “When she passed, our family agreed that a great lasting legacy would be to help decorate the city in a more traditional manner with some more festive holiday lights.”

Hass reflected on the city’s past holiday displays and current resident efforts.
“As a child, I remember ... lights all over the city, including a large arch in the Sixth Ward,” Hass said. “While our residents do a phenomenal job in decorating their homes, I would like the city to show more of the holiday spirit without it being a burden on the taxpayers.”
The city plans to begin installing sponsored lights in November 2026, with installations continuing as additional donations are received. The Minnesota company supplying the lights is offering a rebate program that could provide funds for additional lighting with larger bulk purchases.
Six holiday light designs are currently available, with prices ranging from $466 to $1,090 per light. Donations are tax deductible through the Chamber’s 501(c)(3) status.
Donation forms and light options are available at merrillchamber.org/foundation/.
While specific placement requests cannot be accommodated, the city will assign each decoration a number and publish an annual map on social media showing the location of each memorial or honorary light.
Hass and Caylor also hope to generate enough support, potentially through corporate sponsorship, to restore some of the historic arches that once decorated the city.