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2007 12 14

Random Rippling

Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v04n25)

Random Rippling - Christmas on the Corner raised money for Ronald McDonald House

posted: Dec. 14, 2007

By Alan Hague and Barbara Rendel

This year, the festive lighting at the corner of Primrose and Broad Ripple Avenue was transformed into a wonderful charity fundraiser. According to Brad Probst, approximately 200 people packed the street across from Broad Ripple Park to listen to holiday music, enjoy cookies and cocoa and watch the lighting of the huge Christmas display.

"I am not sure how many feet of Christmas lights. . . To put this in perspective. . . I think it would be accurate to say that we have probably over a half-mile of extension cords. . . And around 15,000 to 20,000 lights. . . Three main scenes (a peaceful, white light serene display near the garage/backyard), (a multi-colored, holographic and eye catching display near the front of the house) and a gaudy mixture of lights and inflatable items in the front yard facing Broad Ripple Avenue)," said Probst.

The Christmas on the Corner planning committee started work in August to plan the event. Many volunteers were recruited from Roncalli High School. Activities and entertainment was arranged for all ages.

Christmas on the Corner 2007 provided the children with many fun opportunities, such as ceramic ornament decorating sponsored by Ceramic Dreams of Broad Ripple, cookie decorating, snowflake making and a chance to color a picture of a house asking the children to color what the they thought it would look like. The children could also write a letter to Santa and put it in Santa's Mailbox.

In addition to the craft areas, Santa made a surprise visit to allow everyone a chance to get a picture with Santa. Hot cocoa and cookies were out for all, too!

"We chose the Ronald McDonald House as our charity to help spread the word about our display/ceremony and to be more involved with our event," said Probst.

"An event such as this could not be possible with out the help of local businesses," said Wetzel. "Our local sponsors for this year are: Ceramic Dreams, Becks Service Center, Umbaugh, Wetzel Electrical Engineer Inc., Southeast Dental, Hobby Copy, Harding Poorman and Kipp Brothers."

"I just want to thank everyone that came to the ceremony and anyone who has/will donate because it is important to help others that are in need or less fortunate. I just want to say that it's a blessing to help bless others and any single person can reach his or her dreams/goals with prayer, dedication, faith and hard work. Hopefully our display is an inspiration to others," added Probst.