The Village of Holland celebrated the holidays with the annual tree lighting on December 5, at Strawberry Acres Park.
Upon arrival, visitors saw a multitude of lights and decorations throughout the park, except for one area where a 24-foot-tall tree stood dark between the lighted gazebo and lodge.
The event began at 6:15 with the Springfield High School choir performing Christmas songs near the tree. They were followed by the SHS band performing additional holiday tunes.
Afterward, Mayor Ryan Spangler invited children to help him throw the switch and light the artificial pre-lit tree.
When lit, the tree stood out among all other colorful decorations, lit with hundreds of white LED lights and topped with a white star.
As soon as the tree was lit and right on cue, Santa Claus, aboard a lighted Springfield Township fire engine, headed south on McCord Road, pulling into the lodge, where throngs of children awaited his arrival.
The mayor expressed appreciation to businesses and organizations for their donations and invited everyone to help themselves to cookies and hot chocolate at the lodge.
Santa visited with children and complimentary photos of children with the jolly old elf were provided courtesy of Scott Stigall, State Farm Insurance.
Children also enjoyed other activities offered by the police department and Holland branch library.
Village administrator Bob Bethel reminded residents to save the date for next year’s tree lighting, which will be on Thursday, December 4.
See more photos on page 4.
New tree glistens brightly
