CARLSBAD (CBS 8) - It's been years in the making. On Thursday Carlsbad officials are finally lighting up the new archway sign.
The new landmark is modeled after a similar sign that hung in the area in the 1930s. The word "community" was weaving in and out of the crowd as they stood anxiously to watch their sight light up their hometown.
A moment as simple as lighting the sign over Carlsbad Boulevard at Carlsbad Village Drive brought out the high school band and hundreds of families.
The crusader behind the sign is realtor Carlton Lund. Fourteen years ago he saw Encinitas put in their sign, and he wanted to shine the same light on Carlsbad.
The sign will be at no cost to the city. TaylorMade Golf donated $225,000 for the sign, supplies and installation, and it's designed with LED lights, costing 24 cents an hour to power, which is paid for by donations.
"When communities come together then everyone is happy and smiling and we forget about the world's problems," resident Linda said.
