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Light up the Fox, Incorporated filed an application for non-profit status on September 4, 2012. The mission of this newly formed non-profit organization is to shed light on the history of the Fox River, its role in the development of our community and its impact on our future.

The organization aims to put up temporary, seasonal light displays along the Fox River – framed buildings, light sculptures, light to music displays, etc. These will be accompanied by educational content about the river, delivered through presentations, festival activities and cell phone/website applications.

The effort will start somewhat small in December 2013 at the world’s birthplace of hydro-electric power in the historic Third Ward, Vulcan Park and Atlas Mill neighborhoods of Appleton with plans for expansion every year. Within 5 years organizers hope to grow the project into a source of funds that will support riverfront organizations and venues that share their educational and community-focused mission.

LightUpTheFox.org will soon be live and visitors to the site can see amazing photos, posted with permission from Greg Larson, winner of last year’s Appleton Downtown, Inc. Photo Contest. Interact Marketing donated the website design and social media marketing services.

Light Up the Fox also unveils an official logo which was designed with an in-kind donation from Willems Marketing.

The organization recognizes the following kick-off donors:

·        Faith Technologies sponsored the $850 non-profit filing fee
·        WE Energies sponsored the Oktoberfest Food Booth for $1000
·        Neenah Paper donated as a Lantern Light Supporter at a $1000 level

Steve Lunn, an accountant from Baker Tilly, and Jeff Riesler, an attorney for Godfrey and Kahn, offered advice in preparing the 501c3 non-profit application.

Look for a grilled cheese meal at the Light Up the Fox/Paper Discovery Center Food booth during Appleton’s Octoberfest on September 29, 2012.

Update 9/17:  Light up the Fox, Inc. is hosting a month-long scavenger hunt that encourages people to learn about the history of the Fox River and enjoy discounts at area businesses.

The scavenger hunt will run from Sep 30–Oct 31. Forms can be found at www.lightupthefox.org or picked up at the Light up the Fox food booth at Appleton’s Octoberfest on Sep 29. Forms will also be available at the participating riverfront business sponsors, including the visitor information kiosk located in the lobby of the Historic Atlas Mill.

“We want to help people savor the autumn outdoors, travel the Fox River Trails, learn about local history, and enjoy the challenge and excitement of a scavenger hunt,”  board president Barb Sauer said in a press release.

The form includes nine questions related to the history of the Fox River. Participants need to find an item or historic site along the riverfront, within the Old Third Ward neighborhood, or along College Avenue in Appleton. More hints can also be found on the group’s website.

Any day between Sep 30–Oct 31, participants can complete the scavenger hunt form, take it to one of the sponsoring riverfront establishments listed below, and they will receive one of several half-price deals:

Atlas Coffee Mill – 50% off a coffee and scone
Fratellos / Fox River Brewing Company – 50% off a beer on tap or a hand-crafted soda AND a free cupcake with entrée
Hearthstone Historic House Museum – 50% off one adult admission (not valid for evening Haunted Hearthstone tours).
Paper Discovery Center – 50% off admission during Paper Around the World Event
Pullmans – 50% off any appetizer
Stone Cellar – 50% off one pizza