Allentown Parknership and Donors Pay for New Lights in the Park Display, Replacing One Destroyed by Vandals

March 19, 2026

— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs

Allentown’s 2026-27 Lights in the Parkway will feature a new display to welcome visitors, replacing the one destroyed by vandals in December.

The Allentown Parknership — yes, that’s the real spelling — announced today that the 12-foot by 20-foot sign, see rendering above, was funded by 107 donors who gave almost $7,000 total, and the Parknership contributed the remainder of the $13,000 cost for purchase and installation.

“While we were deeply saddened by the vandalism to the event, everyone at the Parknership was heartened by the positive community support. We are grateful to be a part of continuing this tradition,” said Ruffian Tittmann, Parknership executive director.

Lights in the Parkway is an annual holiday display that draws thousands of visitors.

Four teenage males were charged after the December vandalism.

The Allentown Parknership works with the city’s Parks and Recreation department to improve Allentown’s parks, playgrounds and recreation programs. The not-for-profit organization honors the legacy of Gen. Harry C. Trexler, considered to be the founder of the Allentown Park System.

Here’s the statement from the Allentown Parknership:

ALLENTOWN, Pa. (March 19, 2026) – Holiday Grinches were no match for a resilient public, a dedicated City of Allentown Parks and Recreation staff, and The Allentown Parknership.

Thanks to the generosity of donors and The Allentown Parknership, a new display is scheduled to welcome visitors to the 2026-2027 Lights in the Parkway, replacing a display that was vandalized in mid-December 2025.

The new 12’ X 20’ display will feature the fitting message, “Lighting the Season Together,” reflective of the 107 individual donors who contributed nearly $7,000 to support the city’s long-running holiday attraction. The Parknership’s board of directors approved additional funding toward the $13,000 purchase and installation of the display.

The vandalism incident at Lights in the Parkway required unplanned cleanup and repairs that temporarily closed the attraction. Community members rallied in response with contributions as well as sharing family memories and words of support for the Allentown Parks team that brings the event to life year after year.

“While we were deeply saddened by the vandalism to the event, everyone at the Parknership was heartened by the positive community support. We are grateful to be a part of continuing this tradition,” said Ruffian Tittmann, Parknership executive director. “This is one of the reasons the Parknership exists: to provide a means for people to support the things they love about the parks, recreation programs and events in Allentown. “

               “Lights in the Parkway is an Allentown tradition that so many families have enjoyed together. The overwhelming community support reminded us just how much this event means to people,” said Mandy Tolino, Director of Allentown Parks and Recreation Department. “We are grateful to the donors and to The Allentown Parknership for helping us replace the display and ensure the tradition continues for years to come.”

About The Allentown Parknership

As Allentown’s charitable partner for Parks and Recreation, The Allentown Parknership enhances, activates and invests in public spaces to connect people and parks. It was launched in 2024 to collaborate with the City of Allentown to expand and enhance the city’s parks, playgrounds and recreation programs to meet the community’s diverse needs. The non-profit Allentown Parknership builds on the legacy of General Harry C. Trexler, considered by many to be the founder of the Allentown Park System. More information is available — and donations can be made — at allentownparknership.org