Work continues on Saugatuck holiday star

The new star is made of aluminum. Here, it is displayed at Saugatuck High School. Photo courtesy of Brent Birkholz

Work continues on the new holiday star for Saugatuck.

The current wooden star remains attached to the radar tower on Mount Baldhead until the new all-aluminum star is ready to be placed on the tower. That star, welded together by Saugatuck High School industrial arts students, is complete except for the lights.

Organizers are waiting for the LED supplier, said Brent Birkholz who has been coordinating the work on the star.

The wooden star on Thanksgiving Day.

The wooden star has been in place for almost 60 years. It was recently vandalized and is falling apart.

The costs to replace what some council members have called a community icon is being covered by donations and money from the city’s general fund.

The wooden star, once removed, will go the Saugatuck Douglas Historical Society to be restored for possible display at the museum.

For background on the project, visit:

• http://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/x1665832775/Saugatuck-community-making-new-holiday-star-shine

• http://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/x346783614/Saugatucks-holiday-star-vandalized-needs-to-be-replaced

A closer look at the wooden star on Mount Baldhead.