UPDATE: Residents of the Town of Poughkeepsie are expressing outrage over a controversial holiday light display that some are calling “X-rated.” The display, located in the Arlington Business District near Vassar College, has drawn sharp criticism and sparked heated discussions on social media.
This week, locals took to platforms like Facebook to voice their concerns about the lights surrounding the clock tower, which appear to resemble an unmistakable male anatomy. As the holiday season kicks off, with Christmas lights illuminating the region since before Thanksgiving 2023, this particular display has taken center stage for all the wrong reasons.
Images circulating online show a pair of bushes with a long pole protruding from between them, leading some to question the design choices made by the town. One resident remarked, “As soon as I saw it, I thought it looked like a giant middle finger pointing down Raymond Avenue.” While some dismiss the claims as the result of “dirty minds,” others argue that once the resemblance is pointed out, it becomes impossible to ignore.
This controversy comes as many towns across the Hudson Valley are busy transforming their streets into festive displays, with the Winter Festival of Lights in nearby Niagara Falls set to attract millions from November 18, 2023 to January 7, 2024. That event will feature over 3 million lights and spectacular fireworks, showcasing what holiday cheer should look like.
As the discussion continues, residents are encouraged to share their opinions on social media platforms. Do you see the phallic resemblance in the Poughkeepsie display? Or do you believe the criticisms are exaggerated? Join the conversation by commenting on our Facebook page or sending us a message through our mobile app.
As this story develops, it raises questions about community standards and artistic expression during the holiday season. With heightened emotions and divided opinions, the Town of Poughkeepsie is finding itself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons this festive season.
Stay tuned for updates as we track how local officials respond to this unfolding controversy.
