A merry and bright tradition will bring the community together in Fort Wayne later this month. Crews are assembling the iconic light displays for downtown’s Night of Lights event.
The Merry Christmas wreath will return to our downtown building. In fact, it’s one of the original window displays from 1937 created by the Wolf & Dessauer Department store.
“The large wreath is a holiday symbol treasured by people of all ages. The wreath lighting ceremony is a major part of the annual Night of Lights event and we’re proud to keep powering the tradition,” said I&M’s External Affairs Manager Kelly Rentschler.
The wreath was displayed until 1959 when it was put into storage. In 1987 it was re-discovered and I&M employees cleaned, repainted, replaced lamp sockets, rewired circuits and installed 8,000 light bulbs for the wreath to shine once again on the plaza. In 2008, the wreath was ushered into a new era with a fresh paint job and new LED light bulbs – which are 90% more energy efficient and last longer.
More on the Wreath:
- The wreath is 32 feet in diameter and weighs 3.5 tons.
- Displayed from 1937 to 1959 (except during WWII)
- Features 4,000 red bulbs, 2,800 green bulbs and 1,200 white bulbs
- Concept came from a holiday post card G. Irving Latz, general manager of the Wolf & Dessauer Department Store, received
Make sure to stop by the I&M plaza for the Night of Lights event on Wednesday, Nov. 26. The switch to light the wreath will be flipped at 7 p.m. by I&M employees.
Visit our community page for more information on how I&M is supporting our local communities and how our employees are making a difference.