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Organizers were unable to gather the corporate contributions to sustain the event, and the cost of moving to town-owned land on Hilton Head Island was deemed too high.
So a display that has dazzled islanders and visitors alike for two decades will end its run -- at least for now -- this holiday season.
Dove Street Festival of Lights organizers had been trying since December to find a new location. Residents worked with town staff on a plan to light up parts of Crossings Park, but after consulting with Palmetto Electric Cooperative, determined the power supply would be insufficient.
Upgrades to accommodate the lights would cost about $35,000, which organizers said they cannot afford. They also did not think it fair to ask the town to shoulder that cost, said festival co-founder Paul Beckler.
Traffic jams for those using the nearby Daufuskie Island ferry terminal also were a concern.
"It just wasn't in the cards. We did a lot of work to try to keep it going, but couldn't get the momentum we needed," Beckler said. "We were not successful in securing commitments for corporate contributions. ... In conclusion, everybody loved the Dove Street Festival of Lights, but it isn't looking good for 2011."
THE BACKGROUND
Dove Street residents have been trying for the past year to build town and community support to take over the festival, which has attracted thousands for the past 20 years. It has grown so large that the handful of families who organize the event can no longer manage it, Beckler said.
"It's amazing we were able to carry it along for so many years," said Beckler's wife, Kristi. "People are used to it just happening, and we've always done it as a gift to the community, and it's been wonderful.
"But it's gotten to the point where it needs to be taken over by someone with a larger resource pool."
It takes about 80,000 lights and two weeks to prepare, Paul Beckler said, and it more than doubles residents' monthly electric bills.
THE IMPACT
Residents and visitors have come to depend on the event not only as a source of Christmas cheer, but as a charity fundraiser.
Last year, organizers collected more than $12,000 for The Deep Well Project, which provides food for the hungry, and emergency aid for rent, water and utility bills for the working poor. The nonprofit group also provides temporary shelter for the homeless and aid for septic-system and home repairs, as well as medicine, clothing, and help with child care costs and school supplies.
"In 20 years, they have collected literally tons of food and thousands of toys for needy families to give to their children during the holidays," said Betsy Doughtie, Deep Well executive director.
Festival organizers are working with Deep Well to continue the "Community Well" project during December, when volunteers accept money, nonperishable food and unwrapped gifts for children at a drop-off location in Coligny Plaza.
"We're looking for ways to keep up with the donations from Dove Street and don't have any clear answers yet," Doughtie said. "But as important as the festival was for raising donations, it also generated tremendous (publicity) for Deep Well. It made people more conscious of the needs of the less fortunate in the community. We will definitely miss Dove Street."
Follow reporter Tom Barton at twitter.com/EyeOnHiltonHead
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