Hagerman Christmas lights on display at Marshall Park

ONTARIO — The City of Ontario welcomed the Christmas season with performances from the high school jazz band, Rhapsody in Blue choir, Golden Girls, Color Guard and majorettes on Thursday night.

The annual Christmas tree lighting in Marshall Park also featured a golf cart parade, Miss Ontario court, Santa, and the first year of half of the Hagerman light display in its new location.

Mayor Kris Knapp said he was “ecstatic” to welcome the famous Madison Township display to the park. The lights will be displayed through Jan. 1 and will turn on automatically each night.

“I love that we’re continuing their tradition,” Knapp said.

The lights are on display between the park pavilion and bandshell, facing Milligan Road. Knapp said he wants to spread out the display — which includes about 40,000 miniature light bulbs — next year after some electric work in Marshall Park.

There are about five displays that need repair before being set out. Knapp also said he wants to use LED light strands for displays next year.

Almost all of the light displays were handcrafted by brothers Dick and Jim Hagerman, an electrician and carpenter, respectively. They first started building the decorations in 1960.

The Hagermans gave about half of their lights to family members, and sold the rest to the City of Ontario.