Scout Night Benefits West Union’s Festival of Lights: A Sparkling Tradition that Drives Tourism and Community Spirit in the US

Published on December 9, 2025

As the holiday season unfolds, the small town of West Union, Iowa, comes alive with a dazzling array of holiday lights and festive displays that attract visitors from all over the region. This year, the annual Festival of Lights will not only showcase its stunning array of holiday lights but also contribute to a significant community-driven project through the Scout Night event. This event aims to raise funds for Eagle Scout Andrew Kovarik’s project, a storage building that will support the long-term success and sustainability of the Festival. Through donations, community engagement, and holiday cheer, the event will contribute to the growth of local tourism while fostering a spirit of collaboration and goodwill.

The Festival of Lights: A Major Tourist Attraction

The Festival of Lights in West Union is a beloved holiday tradition that draws visitors from across Iowa and beyond. Spanning 4.5 acres at the West Union Recreation Complex, the festival features a captivating collection of holiday light displays that create a magical atmosphere for families and visitors of all ages. As part of the holiday experience, the festival features a synchronized light show, where visitors can tune into 99.5 FM on their car radios to enjoy holiday music synchronized with the sparkling lights. This addition has become a hit with visitors, making the festival an even more immersive experience.

The festival is free to visit, but donations are encouraged to help fund the operational costs of the event. As it continues to grow in size and popularity, the festival also plays a pivotal role in supporting local tourism, bringing in visitors from nearby cities who are drawn to West Union for its holiday charm. Not only does it bring economic benefits to the community, but it also highlights the region’s ability to come together to create an event that captures the hearts of visitors and residents alike.

Scout Night: A Celebration of Community and Giving

Scout Night, held at the Festival of Lights, is an annual event that highlights the spirit of giving and community collaboration. This year, the event will be particularly meaningful, as it raises funds for Andrew Kovarik’s Eagle Scout project, which aims to build a much-needed storage building for the festival. The building will help store the festival’s holiday displays and lights, facilitating more efficient setup, organization, and storage during the off-season. Scout Night is an opportunity for families and visitors to enjoy the holiday festivities while contributing to a great cause.

The event will run from 5-8 p.m., where attendees can enjoy free cookies, hot chocolate, candy canes, and glow necklaces. Children of all ages can participate in a scavenger hunt, adding an element of fun to the evening. This festive atmosphere creates the perfect opportunity for families to bond while supporting the future of the Festival of Lights. As the event has grown over the years, it has become a central part of the holiday tourism calendar, drawing attention not just to the lights but also to the community-driven efforts that make the festival possible.

The funds raised at Scout Night will help cover the expenses of building the new storage facility, which will be used to store and organize the lights and decorations. With the support of the local community and festival-goers, the project will continue to enhance the festival’s infrastructure and ensure that it remains a lasting holiday tradition in West Union for years to come.

The Importance of the Eagle Scout Project

At the heart of Scout Night is the Eagle Scout project led by Andrew Kovarik. Eagle Scouts are known for completing projects that benefit their communities, and Andrew’s initiative to build a storage building for the Festival of Lights is a prime example of this commitment. This project addresses a vital need for the festival, which has grown over the years and requires more efficient storage and organization for its lights and displays.

The storage building will not only offer ample space for organizing the lights but will also improve the accessibility and efficiency of setup and takedown each year. This project reflects the strong relationship between the Boy Scouts and the community, where service projects like Andrew’s play an integral role in supporting local events and fostering positive change. The building will include lofts for additional storage, ensuring that the festival can continue to expand and delight visitors for many years to come.

Building Stronger Ties Between Tourism and Community Events

The success of the Festival of Lights and events like Scout Night highlights the importance of community-driven tourism. The festival is more than just a holiday display—it’s a representation of what can be achieved when a community comes together to create something special. The Eagle Scout project and the fundraising efforts associated with it demonstrate the synergy between local tourism initiatives and community service projects.

Events like these are essential in promoting local tourism, as they not only draw visitors to West Union but also highlight the town’s ability to create unique, impactful experiences for those who visit. Visitors who come for the Festival of Lights often stay in local hotels, dine at local restaurants, and shop in the area, creating a ripple effect that benefits local businesses and supports the region’s economy.

Additionally, as small towns like West Union look for ways to grow their tourism sectors, events that combine community involvement with cultural experiences can play a key role in enhancing the town’s appeal. The Festival of Lights, combined with Scout Night, offers an affordable, family-friendly experience that invites visitors to see a new side of the community. This type of event also contributes to the reputation of West Union as a destination for family-oriented travel, making it a desirable location for future visitors seeking a wholesome, memorable holiday experience.

How the Festival Contributes to West Union’s Growth

As the Festival of Lights continues to grow, it will undoubtedly become an even more important factor in the development of West Union’s tourism industry. The festival’s popularity has grown year after year, and with new additions like the synchronized light show, it’s clear that the event is evolving to meet the needs of its visitors. The fundraising efforts tied to the Scout Night event ensure that the festival will continue to thrive and remain an important part of West Union’s holiday offerings.

Looking forward, the success of these community events will likely lead to additional tourism initiatives and projects aimed at further enhancing the region’s appeal. For instance, there could be future collaborations with local businesses, tourism boards, and organizations to create more year-round attractions, such as outdoor concerts, winter sports, and seasonal festivals. By continuously building on the momentum generated by the Festival of Lights, West Union has the potential to establish itself as a hub for holiday tourism in Iowa and beyond.

Community Spirit and the Future of the Festival

The future of the Festival of Lights is bright, with plans in place to continue improving the event’s infrastructure and adding new features to keep it fresh and exciting for returning visitors. With the Eagle Scout project and events like Scout Night, West Union is setting a strong example of how community-driven tourism can benefit both locals and visitors alike.

As West Union’s tourism industry continues to grow, the Festival of Lights will remain a centerpiece of the region’s holiday celebrations, attracting visitors from across the state and even from neighboring states. The scavenger hunt, holiday music, and free treats ensure that families will continue to return to the event year after year, while donations and fundraising help sustain the event’s longevity.

Conclusion

The Festival of Lights in West Union offers an incredible opportunity for both community engagement and tourism development. Through Scout Night and the efforts of Andrew Kovarik’s Eagle Scout project, the festival continues to grow and adapt to the needs of its community. By blending holiday cheer, community involvement, and fundraising, the Festival of Lights remains a central event in West Union’s tourism calendar, bringing people together for a good cause while boosting the local economy. Whether it’s the lights, the scavenger hunt, or the opportunity to contribute to the community’s growth, the festival is a must-see for visitors seeking a unique holiday experience.