With the holidays approaching, the city hosts an annual tree-lighting ceremony at Madison Park. This year, the ceremony was held on Nov. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m.
The tree lighting is a great time for family and friends to get together and enjoy time at the park. From food trucks, kids’ crafts, photos with Santa, and even a live band playing Christmas music.
“Last year, I came to the tree lighting with my family, and it’s just a good way to get everyone connected,” sophomore Alillya Thomas said.
Spending time with family at this event is great; however, hanging out with friends is equally fun.
“I go to the tree lighting so I can spend more time with my friends,” senior Ethan Gilbert said.
Going to the tree lighting can make some good memories. However, not everyone goes for the tree lighting as there are many other opportunities in the event.
“I get free popcorn, free cookies and free hot chocolate,” senior Violet McEntire said.
While enjoying the food, the community listened to a couple of members of the DHS jazz band, and even old graduates played live music while family and friends made ornaments.
“I played at the tree lighting because I love getting to play my horn with my friends that have the same understanding of music as me,” senior Kendall Chance said.
According to band teacher Adam DeVault, this is only the second time jazz members have performed. Although they’re making memories for others, they’re still making memories for themselves.
“My favorite memory has to be the conversations that I get to have with those guys whether it’s during the songs or the car rides after,” Chance said.
However, for DeVault performing at the tree lighting isn’t just about making memories.
“Having students from our program involved in events like the tree lighting is really important,” DeVault said, “It allows us to support the community in new and different ways as opposed to just performing school concerts and at high school sporting events.”
Having the community come together every year to experience the Madison Park tree lighting can become a new part of your Christmas traditions. Whether you go with family or friends it’s fun for all.