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Tree lighting brightens spirits on cool, damp evening in Eastlake
News-Herald, November 30, 2009 by Tracey Read
Tree lighting brightens spirits on cool, damp evening in Eastlake
Willowick resident Mark Cronin was a little surprised when his fiance told him where she wanted him to take her Sunday for their date night.
The Eastlake Tree Lighting Ceremony? Seriously?
"I just wanted to see the lights," his fiance, Eastlake resident Chelsae Hipp, said with a shrug as she and Cronin huddled together under a large umbrella.
The pouring rain did not stop an estimated 200 people from attending the annual ceremony, which took place at the fire station at Route 91 and Lake Shore Boulevard.
"This is our first time here and I thought it was delightful," said Eastlake resident Todd Vogler, who took his wife, Michelle, and 7-year-old daughter, Charlotte. "We've been to Willoughby's tree lighting before but this seems more charming."
Other than a quick ceremonial unveiling of the Christmas lights, festivities took place inside the fire station — giving attendees a welcome break from the rain.
The Northern Lights choir from North High School in Eastlake performed.
The group later invited all children and the young at heart to jump on stage with them for a sing-a-long of favorite Christmas carols.
As the crowd sang, "Here Comes Santa Claus," St. Nick himself stopped by to mingle with residents, who were treated to cookies and hot chocolate.
Mayor Ted Andrzejewski called the event one of his favorites of the year.
"It's nice to get everybody together for one day," the mayor said.
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