Du Quoin finally could have all-new Christmas decorations if a current effort is successful.
City Finance Commissioner Dale Spencer is spearheading an effort to replace all of the city's downtown overhead decorations. Spencer says there are roughly 40- decorations, and the cost to replace each one could run between $400 and $700 depending on the style chosen. That places the overall cost at at least $16,000.
Spencer says the current decorations were purchased in the late 1980s, but weather faded their colors and in some cases even damaged the electrical components.
Spencer says he has started making the rounds to all manner of city businesses and organizations to solicit donations for the effort. So far, he says the Lions Club has made a cash donation of $750. Several other organizations have given him soft commitments.
"I've got it started," Spencer says. "It's going to look really nice."
Spencer says that while he would like to see the effort completed by this year's holiday season, it is unlikely decorations would be purchased until there is enough money to replace all of them at once.
Anyone in the community interested in making a contribution can contact Spencer at 618-357-1549.
