OKEECHOBEE – The Christmas holidays will be a little brighter in Okeechobee thanks to new decorations in the downtown parks.

At the Nov. 6 meeting of the Okeechobee County Commissioners, Assistant County Administrator – Community Services Denise Whitehead said about 30 new items will be added to the downtown parks for the holiday season, thanks to an effort spearheaded by the Altobello Family Foundation.

Each park will have its own theme, she explained.

“Expect a lot more visitors to see these wonderful displays that are going up in the park,” Whitehead continued. She said they hope it will be an economic driver for the small businesses in the areas around the park.

“We’re asking all businesses to reach out to us,” said Whitehead. She said they are collecting information about special holiday hours and events.

The initial lighting of the lampposts will be Nov. 13, she said.  Lighting of the new displays will coincide with the City of Okeechobee’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 2.

“We are really excited because the businesses are getting onboard,” said Whitehead.

She said the displays will include a nativity scene as well as a menorah. There will be plenty of places suitable for photos, she added.