By Meghan Cookemcooke@salisburypost.comThe Rowan County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Monday night to support the concept of a drive-through holiday light park.
The board voted in favor of the idea under the conditions that a contract for approval be created and that specific questions about the park be addressed at the board’s next meeting.
The commissioners’ approval follows unanimous votes by both the Rowan County Tourism Development Board and the Salisbury-Rowan Economic Development Commission to support the proposed Christmas season event.
The proposal was presented by Mike Miller, of Miller Davis Studios, the marketing and design firm on North Main Street that will act as the event promoter and coordinator.
Located in Summit Corporate Center, the park would feature more than 120 animated light displays and an ice skating rink.
With its potential to bring new visitors to the area, Miller said the display would have a projected economic impact of $1.3 million.
Miller Davis issued a press release announcing its partnership with the Board of Commissioners and Downtown Salisbury, Inc. to sponsor the light display. The event, named Glittering Nites of Salisbury-Rowan, is scheduled for Nov. 25 through Jan. 3.
A Web site describing the park, www.GlitteringNites.com, was expected to launch today.
“This is an event that will draw people to to our community who will eat in our restaurants and shop in our stores,” stated Glittering Nites spokesman Patrick Pearson in the release.
Commissioner Tina Hall had several questions about the specifics of the event, ranging from who would be responsible for fielding phone inquiries to who would offer carriage rides at the park.
But rather than addressing specifics, the board voted to hear more at its next meeting after Miller Davis pursues necessary permits, a financial compensation agreement for Rowan County, public safety plans and written approval from businesses in Summit Corporate Center.
“I hope to get some answers before a final vote,” Hall said.
Miller stressed that the county would not bear any burden of operational costs. The Kansas City, Mo., company Midwest Display, which will provide $350,000 worth of light displays, will foot the bill for electricity and the cost of security.
“We’re the silent partner in this,” said Commissioner Chad Mitchell.
Midwest Display will charge visitors $15 per car to enter the park, and the county will receive $1 for each car.
Chairman Carl Ford said he believes the light park will bring money and people into the county, but there are a few conditions he would like to see met, including dropping the price to $10 a car and giving part of the proceeds to non-profit organizations in the county.
“I’m definitely for the concept,” Ford said.
But his approval of the contract to be proposed in September is less certain, he said.
“That’s a couple of weeks down the road.”
The board’s next meeting is Sept. 8 at 4 p.m. in the J. Newton Cohen, Sr. Rowan County Administration Building, 130 West Innes St., Salisbury.