The Marshall-Saline Development Corporation heard a presentation regarding a project to replace Marshall’s Christmas lights during its meeting on Tuesday, August 12.

The Marshall Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rachel Hayworth and Vice President Lauren Reyes attended Tuesday morning’s meeting to explain the economic and long-term benefits of the project. Phase One of the project involves replacing the Christmas lights on 55 poles on Odell Avenue and Arrow Street, as well as the poles in and around the Marshall Square. Reyes says this project was a long time coming, noting that some of the lights haven’t been replaced in several decades.

Reyes says future phases of this revitalization project could help make Marshall a holiday destination, with the hope to set up more lights and decorations on other streets and into Indian Foothills Park. Reyes credits Hayworth’s leadership for helping move projects like this one forward.

The Chamber applied for a tourism grant to help pay for Phase One of the project, which totals to about $55,000. Following the presentation, MSDC voted to contribute up to $10,000 for the project.