Lighting Ceremony – tomorrow night
I have to admit, I am getting very excited about the Lighting Ceremony, coming tomorrow night. It is always a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season. And, it looks like we won’t be wearing flip flops, but the expected hat and mittens! You never know in Michigan.
If you haven’t attended this event, I am going to recommend it. We all gather at Peppler Park (at the dam overlook for those who aren’t all that familiar with Rockford) and are entertained – and amazed – by the talented choirs of Rockford High School. Director Dave Duiven selects some holiday gems for the choirs to sing – and always includes crowd favorite “Fun with Rudolph.”
The River 100.5′s Gene Parker is on-hand as emcee and always livens up the event with his wonderful humor and personality.
Newly elected Rockford Mayor, Brien Dews, will be addressing the crowd with a Message of Peace. He has only been in office less than a week, so we feel we are initiating him pretty quickly! When I talked to him, though, I didn’t note any sign of trepidation – more like excitement to be able to share his message.
The City’s DPW staff have been as busy as Santa’s elves preparing the City for the event. They have been stringing thousands and thousands (and if you ask them they would probably say millions) of little white lights on every tree, shrub, and pole in Downtown. It is always fun to listen to the crowd count down from 10 to ignite the lights all over downtown – it truly is gorgeous.
So, if you have time on Tuesday at 6 p.m. come on down to the dam and check out the light show! We want you to share this special occasion with us.
