Our Story
Light Up Middletown began in 1999 when retired Middletown High School secretary, Florella Randall, envisioned a brighter holiday season for her community. With the support of friends and civic leaders, she established the first Board of Directors and organized the inaugural L.U.M. event featuring seven dazzling displays. As donations and sponsorships grew, so did the event's scale and impact.
Barney Strassburger joined the effort as site manager, rallying a dedicated group of retired volunteers known as the 'Grandpa Gang.' This team has become the backbone of Light Up Middletown, working tirelessly to create a magical experience for over one million visitors. In recent years, volunteers from Cleveland Cliffs have also contributed their efforts to erect larger displays, further enhancing the event.
Thanks to generous donations and business sponsorships, Light Up Middletown has made significant upgrades to park facilities and collaborated with local organizations to support community projects. The legacy of Flo continues to shine brightly, as the event remains a donation-only, volunteer-driven celebration that brings families together during the holiday season.