Hundreds gather downtown for start of holiday season, annual tree lighting

Detroit's getting in the holiday spirit.

Hundred of adults and children gathered in downtown Detroit Friday evening to celebrate the 20th annual tree lighting in Campus Martius.

The 64-foot-tall Norway Spruce tree arrived from western Michigan on Nov. 3, ahead of the tree lighting ceremony to give workers time to decorate it and the surrounding park.

The annual tradition marks the start of the winter holiday season in Detroit, with colorful lighting, holiday music and other festivities in Campus Martius and adjoining Cadillac Square.

Crowds filled the streets of downtown Detroit, eager to catch a glimpse of the glowing holiday lights. As people continued arriving into the late evening, Detroit Police officers directed vehicular and pedestrian traffic through downtown's congested roads.

Officials maintained tight security this year, following shootings near the event in recent years. Detroit police patrolled the event, with officers on foot, in police cars outside the park area and from watchtowers. Officials secured the park with a fenced perimeter and enforced metal detectors and bag searches at all entrances. Liberty Security Group guards also patrolled the event and Detroit Fire Department and emergency medical vehicles were standing by.

David Clay represented the Salvation Army, ringing bells to seek donations to support those in need during the holiday season.

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"I'm a member of the church and it's my duty to do these type of things, to be of service," Clay said.

The ceremony featured performances from well-known figure skaters, holiday shopping vendors, food trucks and more.

Fashion company Bags to Butterflies sells artistic pieces, including jewelry and handbags, made from repurposed wood by formerly incarcerated women. This local business was among the vendors at the Detroit tree lighting event.

"We decided to tackle the employment barrier but we wanted something unique and different, we wanted the ladies to come home to employment but we didn't want to be a traditional employer," said owner Michelle Smart. "We wanted something where they could really express themselves using art."

This year marked Bags to Butterflies first time participating and Smart said they hope to return to Campus Martius next year if selected.

"We're really excited about being out and engaged in the community," Smart said. "The festivities alone are exciting and being able to meet so many other vendors who are doing some wonderful things and have some awesome products."

A half mile away at Beacon Park on the west side of downtown, another crowd gathered for a children's tree lighting event, featuring a Santa and Mrs. Claus appearance and holiday activities. The family-friendly event included a 20-foot-tall tree lighting, music, food trucks, live entertainment and a lights show.

The city's tree lighting spread across the Campus Martius area with a variety of activities and holiday decorations. The Monroe Street Midway featured an arcade, bumper cars, a slide, a concessions stand, and other activities.

Food trucks spread out throughout the park, selling food, beverages and desserts. Community members skated on the Campus Martius ice rink while a band performed live music on a nearby stage. Holiday music also played from speakers throughout the park area.

Well-known performers such as U.S. figure skater Nathan Chen and broadway actress Natalia Viviano featured in the event's live performance lineup throughout the evening. Local performers also made their mark, with dance, music and skating. The lineup included Detroit's Ballinger Entertainment, The Redhouse Band, Dream Detroit Skating Academy, Figure Skating in Detroit and more.

The tree lighting event represents the positivity of the holiday season, Smart said.

"It's so festive, it's alive here in Detroit," Smart said. "Downtown Detroit especially, seeing all the people, individuals out here celebrating the holidays. Everything from the lights to the music, it's very, very festive."

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit tree lighting brings together community in holiday spirit