City Of Mankato Puts Up Leaner Holiday Decorations

MANKATO (WCCO) -- It's the season for holiday decorations but in this new economy, some communities are cutting back on their displays. Like Mankato, where they're trying to celebrate the holidays and save money at the same time.

With rain on the ground and a chill in the air, it's hard to find much evidence of Christmas spirit outside Mankato City Hall. But when these lights are lit, they fit the bill.

"I know my kids face light up every time they go by the Christmas lights. They love to see them every night when we go home," said Mankato resident Anna Thill.

But, because budgets are tight, Mankato is only decorating two public places this year. Business backing of the decorations burned out, along with some of the lights, so they're not buying any new ones when the old ones go dim.

"They have all these other activities going on, but yet they can't afford the lights for the city. I just think it might be a good idea to look into it and see if they can't get some donations to get some lights put up downtown," said Mankato resident Sheila McNeal.

Now, the biggest business decorations are inside the local mall, where even Santa understands the issues.

"Everybody needs to save money these nowadays, because of the economy. Santa's no different. I too cut back," said Santa.

And there's also plenty of Christmas cheer across the river in North Mankato, which actually added some displays over the last few years, with the blessing and backing of its businesses.

"We believe the holiday decorations maintain the spirit in the community and the business community is very supportive of it, and we would, at least for now, intend to go forward in that manner," said North Mankato City Administrator Wendell Sande

Mankato didn't just cut back this year.  It's been conserving lights and spending money on other things for a few years.