When the tree lighting ceremony in Lake Havasu City was canceled to help balance the budget, many Lake Havasu residents were very disappointed. There just isn't the holiday spirit around town without the annual tree lighting ceremony.
After an article was published last month announcing the cancellation, citizens began to swamp city officials with phone calls in protest. City officials had no other choice but to find a way to fit the ceremony back into its budget and back into Lake Havasu's place in history.
Now, with volunteers tending to all the last minute details, Lake Havasu City's 29th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held as usual in Wheeler Park. The ceremony will begin December 10th at 6:30 p.m. with a whole new lineup of entertainment this year.
The City of Lake Havasu has also guaranteed to continue the tradition. The event will be organized by both public and private groups to help share the costs of the event in the future.
This year's tree lighting ceremony will include a short speech by Lake Havasu City Mayor Mark Nexsen and introductions of Ed Frederico, the original donator of the Christmas tree in Wheeler Park. Frederico is expected to share his memories of how the tree came to be the community tree. School students will even get to hang their handcrafted decorations on the big tree and there will be a presentation of Trees of Honor by the Blue Star Mothers.
One very lucky student will get the honors of lighting the big tree. Each student will place their name in a drawing. The fist name drawn will be the one to illuminate the tree.
Following the tree lighting, there will be three local groups singing Christmas carols. Each group will be dressed in old-fashioned clothing and will sing three songs each. Santa will also be available after the tree lighting ceremony for last minute gift requests from the children.
With the danger of a cancellation, many Lake Havasu City residents are looking forward to this year's tree lighting ceremony more than any other. It already sounds like it will be one for the record books.
Have a happy holiday ~ Realtor® Cheryl Westwood
Lake Havasu City Real Estate
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