Volunteers step up after "Grinch" cuts 90% of light strands at Sartell's Country Lights Festival

SARTELL, Minn. — With Christmas more than a month away, it seems like the Grinch made a stop in Sartell with plans to stop the holiday joy.

For the last six years, 33 acres around Lake Francis turns into a dazzling display with thousands of lights called the Country Lights Festival. Organizers say more than 20,000 people walk around the path annually. 

"Everyone loves to see the lights and it put everyone in a good mood," said Michelle Strodtman.

Last week, vandals tried to cut the Christmas spirit short by snipping countless strands of lights.

"First tree we were going to bring out we noticed some lights were cut," said Scott Schmitz, Country Lights Festival organizer.

Schmitz said someone sliced up nearly 90% of these tree's lights, on purpose.

He said there are cameras around the Sartell Community Center, but none directly where the trees were sitting.

Schmitz was shocked that someone could ruin a community event that is unique for Sartell.

A Facebook post asking the community for help stringing more lights was answered by many, including Strodtman.

"We got all of the damaged cords down and now we are stringing up new lights so we can support the Country Lights Festival," Strodtman said.

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"With all the volunteer support, we are right on schedule again," Schmitz smiled.

Strodtman volunteered with her coworkers at Magnifi Financial because she knows how important this light display is for the community.

"I know my coworkers got engaged here last year, so there's all sorts of memories," she said.

Thanks to dozens of volunteers more memories will be created.

Volunteers will be out again Friday afternoon, with the festival on track for the seventh year starting on December 1.

Police say they don't have a suspect, or any idea why someone would do this. 

Organizers plan to put more security cameras to ensure something like this doesn't happen and if it does, a suspect is caught. 

Anyone with information on who targeted the festival is asked to contact the Sartell Police Department.