Date: March 17, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Cassie Ehrenberg, Executive Director at Iron Horse Arts District, at (949) 295-7018, or director@ironhorsedistrict.org

HOLDREGE, NE – The Iron Horse Arts District is bringing a new glow to downtown Holdrege with the installation of festoon lighting, enhancing the area’s charm and vibrancy. City of Holdrege workers are anticipating the installation to start on Monday, March 17, and be completed the following day. The community is invited to celebrate this exciting addition at a lighting ceremony on Friday, March 21, outside The Drive Golf & Lounge (414 West Ave., Holdrege) starting at 7:30 p.m.  

This decorative overhead lighting, which will be strung across both East and West Avenues between 5th and 3rd Avenues, will create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors and residents alike, making downtown Holdrege a more inviting space for evening gatherings, events, and local businesses. The project is part of the district’s broader placemaking efforts, designed to foster community pride, support economic vitality, and enhance the visual appeal of the area.

“The festoon lighting is more than just an aesthetic upgrade—it’s a symbol of the Iron Horse Arts District’s ongoing growth and commitment to creating a lively, engaging space for everyone,” said Cassie Ehrenberg, Executive Director of the Iron Horse Arts District. “We’re excited for the community to experience the transformation and see how this project contributes to a more dynamic downtown.”

The unveiling event will feature remarks from Holdrege Mayor Jim Liffrig, Ehrenberg, and other community leaders and Iron Horse Arts District representatives. Attendees are encouraged to gather with family and friends to witness the illumination of this beautiful addition to Holdrege’s downtown landscape. The public is invited to celebrate with cake inside The Drive after the lighting ceremony.

This project was made possible through the support of the Phelps County Development Corporation (PCDC), Phelps County Visitors Committee (PCVC), Holdrege Rotary, Dewald Deaver L’Heureux Law Firm, The First State Bank of Holdrege, Turner Body Shop, Woods & Durham, My Fair Lady’s Fashion & Frills, IES and Greg  Belgum, the City of Holdrege, and over 75 additional  individuals, families, and businesses through give2GROW 2024.

Join us this Friday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m. at The Drive Golf & Lounge to celebrate the unveiling of the new festoon lighting and be part of this milestone for the Iron Horse Arts District!

For more information about this project or the  Iron Horse Arts District, please contact our Executive Director Cassie Ehrenberg at director@ironhorsedistrict.org or visit our website at ironhorsedistrict.org.