News Release

ELKHART — Downtown Elkhart and the River District will shine even brighter if this crowdfunding campaign reaches its goal of raising $50,000 by Sept. 28, 2024. If successful, the project led by Elkhart Festivals Inc. will receive a matching grant as part of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s CreatINg Places program.

“We’re thrilled to see this vision for Elkhart put into action,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “CreatINg Places is a dynamic program that has benefited communities of every size across the state, and the installation of multiple light features in the River District will charm residents and visitors for years to come.”

Funds from this campaign will be used to install four permanent lighting displays: a lighting exhibit on Civic Plaza, lighting the Centennial Bridge to Island Park, a 15-foot tall custom-built lighted elk sculpture downtown and projection mapping features for some of the city’s most prominent buildings.

“This will take our lights on the trees on Main Street to whole new levels,” said Elkhart Mayor Rod Roberson. “People love the lights and want to see more. We anticipate the light installations will be enjoyed by thousands of residents and visitors.”

“Our aim is to go bigger, better and brighter this year,” said project leader Bil Murray. “We want people to see how great downtown and the River District are, especially after dark.”

Since the CreatINg Places program began in 2016, projects have raised more than $11 million in public funds and an additional $9.4 million in matching IHCDA funds. The program is available to projects located in Indiana communities. Non-profit entities (with 501c3 or 501c4 status) and local units of government are eligible to apply. Eligible projects must have a minimum total development cost of $10,000, where the recipient will receive $5,000 in IHCDA matching funds should it successfully raise $5,000 through Patronicity. IHCDA will provide matching grant funds up to $50,000 per project.