History of Chautauqua Isle of Lights

Scriptures tell us that Jesus is the Light of the World. In celebration of the birth of the Christ Child, tradition has us decorating our world with colorful lights. With that in mind the Beloit Tourism Committee in the early months of 1998 looked at the layout of Chautauqa Park with the thought of how pretty it would be at Christmas time if it was suitably decorated.

Bob Severance and Lois Simoneau had seen Winfield Isle of Lights and by November the tourism committee had decided to go to Winfield to learn all they could about such a project. Charles Reid, representing Beloit Industrial Development, Dave Haskins representing the Chamber of Commerce, Bob Severance representing Beloit Tourism and J. David Frasier, Beloit City Administrator, made a trip to Winfield. They learned that Winfield had solicited donations from businesses and individuals in the amount of 250,000.00. In contrast, each of Beloit's displays have been purchased by local businesses, individuals and organizations. 

There are several display categories: Religious, Winter Wonderland, Patriotic, Toyland, School Mascots, Antique Vehicles and Farm Machinery. This Christmas the citizens of Beloit have prepared a special lighting display to gladden your hearts and nourish your spirits. A placement committee assigns spots for each display. The Chautauqua Isle of Lights will be a glow Sunday-Thursday 6-9pm, and Fri-Sat. from 6 to 10 p.m., beginning the day before Thanksgiving and ending on New Years Eve. Hosts will be present every night to regulate traffic and hand out programs. There is no charge to view the displays, however a donation box will be available as well as a QR code link at the departure gate. Everyone is to stay in their vehicle with headlights turned off. The roadway will be illuminated.