FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – Every year, Fort Wayne lights up for the holidays during Night of Lights. And for decades, one woman has been quietly making sure that glow never fades. Through countless bank transitions and cold November nights, Debbie DeMerritt has been the steady spark behind the trees on Calhoun Street — a symbol of joy for generations. It’s what makes Debbie an Unsung Hero and Positively Fort Wayne.
Every year, when the first switch is flipped for Night of Lights, it feels like Fort Wayne officially steps into Christmas. For more than three decades, one woman has helped make that moment happen: not for attention, not for credit, but because the lights mean something to her. Debbie DeMerritt helped organize the Flagstar Bank trees.
Flagstar Bank bringing back nostalgia to Night of Lights
“It was sort of handed to us, you know. We were part of the executive team and so we were involved in bringing Christmas trees back to downtown… we just kind of were the workhorses behind it,” said Debbie.
But over time, that assignment became something personal. For Debbie, these lights represent childhood memories — and the wonder of downtown Fort Wayne at Christmastime…