For 42 years, the Pastega Christmas Light Display, shining bright through the chilled winter, has been a Christmas staple in Benton County. After this year, that light may be gone, according to Dana Strowbridge, a volunteer for the display. Strowbridge said that Ken Pastega, who has been putting on the display since its beginning, is.
Though many Corvallis traditions and events have been cancelled due to the pandemic, community leaders urge residents to explore and support efforts to create new, alternate forms of entertainment and celebration.
The Pastega Christmas Lights Display, a generations-old Corvallis event founded by the late Mario Pastega and now funded through the Mario and Alma Pastega family foundation, was cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns.Â
Ken Pastega, Mario Pastegaâs son, said the family instead chose to donate $40,000 to Linn Benton Food Share.
Usually, Pastega said they have between 150 to 200 volunteers and four fully-paid individuals who work alongside him, Mike and Dana Strowbridge to create the display.Â