Magical … Enchanting … An Oshkosh Holiday Tradition!
Oshkosh COL is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
The 23rd Annual Oshkosh Celebration Of Lights!
Each year, the spirit of the Holiday Season magically generates enough power to light up Oshkosh, WI – and loved ones faces with SMILES!
In 2022, the event attracted over 16,000 vehicles, filled with family and friends, who were amazed to see 3/4 million twinkling lights. Thank you to all our volunteers for setting up this fantastic Holiday Event!
This year, enjoy another year of Oshkosh COL sights and activities which include the 100 foot tree, one-hundred twenty plus trees filled with lights, sculptured scenes, animated light displays, visits with Santa, special event nights, wagon rides and so much more.
We’re delighted to announce that once again, the EAA is generously allowing us to use their grounds for our 2024 season. A big thank you to EAA – The Spirit of Aviation for keeping the spirit alive for all of us this year – we appreciate it so very much!
The Oshkosh Celebration of Lights was a dream of Tom Stephany, former Oshkosh Parks Dept. Director
Tom saw a holiday lights display in Texas, that inspired him to create one in Oshkosh. As a member of Oshkosh Rotary Southwest, Tom recruited an enthusiastic and energetic group of fellow Rotarians to help him make his vision a reality. The original group consisted of Karen Fredrick, Bob Hernke, Craig Burnett, Wendy Hielsberg, Jenny Biese and Bob Heinz. Through this project Tom wanted to create a partnership between the Celebration of Lights and the Parks Department. Over the years, both groups have formed a partnership that has benefited from COL donating funds to upgrade the electrical infrastructure, at Menominee Park, which also helps other festivals and events that are held there.
Tom Stephany passed away on August 25, 2011. A plaque is displayed in the park and in addition, The Tom Stephany Bridge of Lights, is to honor the man who loved the Oshkosh Parks and worked tirelessly to create an event that brought the community together.
Through the efforts of our volunteers, sponsors and our community, this bright idea, because of our joint efforts, is now one of the largest, and most dazzling light show in the Midwest! Let’s continue to improve and keep this Oshkosh Holiday Tradition shining bright!
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY …
MILITARY VETERANS MUSEUM: A GREAT MUSEUM for all to go and visit.
NIGHTLY FOOD DRIVE FOR LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES: Nearly 7 tons of food have been collected annually, with a total of over 120 tons donated since COL began. This year, a sealed hygiene item will be collected, or multiple foods will be appreciated.
OLD GLORY MILITARY: Honor Flights Each year funds are donated to help veterans to go to Washington D.C. to see their respective memorials.
OSHKOSH HUMANE SOCIETY: Sponsored by ?. Items were collected to help the Humane Society in their work finding homes for animals. Item suggestions: dry cat or dog food, bleach, kitty litter, paper towels, pet treats and pet toys.
OSHKOSH ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY: Would like to collect cash donations to buy necessary supplies for the Menominee Park Zoo.
FOX COMMUNITIES CHRISTMAS: Sponsored by Fox Communities Credit Union. Visitors are asked to bring new, unwrapped toys to be distributed to less fortunate children in the Oshkosh area.
2024 Committee Members
Adam Tigert
Alina Peterson
Amy Albright
Ben Thompson
Bill Christianson
Bob Serwas
Brenda Reichenberger
Brody Enli
Chad Dallman
Chris Duprey
Cindy Enli
Darren Rohlwing
Gena Tigert
Herb Ringeisen
Jason Kramer
Jeremy Thompson
Jerry Tiedje
Jodi Jensema
Jon Stenerson
Katie Hoxtell
Kevin Reichenberger
Leon Thompson
Mike Deaton
Nancy Reichenberger
Norm Reichenberger
Paul Laurent
Ralph Harrison
Rick Helms
Theresa Fehring
Wendy Thompson
Are you interested in becoming an Oshkosh COL Committee Member? We could use your help! CLICK HERE
Thank you 2023 Oshkosh Celebration of Lights Sponsors!
(Click on sponsor logo to visit their website!)
