Cedarburg, WI – With the holiday lights officially dimmed for the season, volunteers gathered at Zeunert Park this week to help clean up and restore the park following another successful season of Illuminate Ozaukee.
Illuminate Ozaukee, a drive-through holiday light experience supporting local nonprofits, wrapped up its final night last month. Cleanup efforts focused on carefully removing thousands of lights, cords, stakes, and display materials to ensure the park is returned to its natural state ahead of spring.
“Cleanup may not be the most glamorous part of Illuminate, but it’s one of the most important,” said Carissa Barnes, CEO of the Ozaukee Nonprofit Center. “We’re incredibly grateful to the volunteers who showed up to help close out the season the right way and honor our commitment to caring for the park.”
Volunteers of all ages participated, working together to remove items that could impact wildlife or the landscape. Special attention was given to collecting small materials such as zip ties, plastic pieces, and metal stakes that can be difficult to spot after snow and freezing temperatures.
The Ozaukee Nonprofit Center works closely with the City of Cedarburg to ensure Zeunert Park is respected and protected throughout the event lifecycle — from installation to teardown.
“Illuminate Ozaukee truly reflects the best of our community,” Barnes added. “It’s powered not just by lights, but by people; volunteers, nonprofits, businesses, and families who care deeply about this space and each other.”
The Ozaukee Nonprofit Center extends sincere thanks to all volunteers, partners, and community members who supported Illuminate Ozaukee this season; from opening night through final cleanup.
For more information about Illuminate Ozaukee or the Ozaukee Nonprofit Center, visit www.ozaukeenonprofitcenter.org.