Watch CBS News

Holiday Grinch Destroys Ford City Christmas Display

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Last Saturday was Light-up Night in Memorial Park in Ford City.

The park glowed with the spirit of the holiday season. At least, that was the case until overnight vandalism turned everything upside down.

Paul Klukan of the Ford City Renaissance Committee received a call from his brother around 8 a.m.

"A neighbor of his was walking on the trail, and said this big star was down behind the clock tower," Klukan says. "And there was busted light bulbs on the trail. So I came down to see what happened. Upon seeing the light bulbs busted on the trail, I knew they came from the park. I came into the park, and that's where I found all the vandalism."

He says the decorations are handmade, with workers starting on them in October of the previous year.

"It's enjoyable work," he adds. "We do it for the kids, and to try to bring people into town for the businesses. And for something like this to happen, it's very sad."

Fellow resident Ron Liston empathizes with those who put in so much time.

"You don't just do it overnight," he said. "You don't just bend metal and make a decoration. It takes time. And it's a shame. It's a shame."

Police say the vandalism caused about $1,000 worth of damage. But Paul Klukan says he'll take whatever time is necessary repair the displays.

"My question is, why would somebody do this?"

He says no Grinch will be allowed to destroy Ford City's Christmas.

You May Also Be Interested In These Latest News Stories

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.