Inaugural tree lighting brings holiday cheer to downtown Lyons

Nov. 24—Lights sparkled and carols filled the air as Lyons said hello to the holidays with a new tree lighting ceremony.

Freezing temperatures and snow Friday evening didn't deter dozens of spectators from coming to Sandstone Park for the event. While the town has other holiday traditions — including next weekend's Parade of Lights — this year marked the first time Lyons encouraged folks to gather as the massive blue spruce in the park's southwest corner was adorned with color.

"I think we just wanted to officially kick off the holiday spirit," said Lyons mayor Hollie Rogin. "We appreciate our community so much, and we love to get together."

At 5 p.m., after a countdown led by Rogin, the crowd cheered as the 40-foot tree burst to life with rainbow lights and a crowning white star. The cheers were quickly followed by the singing of classic Christmas carols, including "Let it Snow" and "Deck the Halls."

In addition to community bonding, the ceremony was also an opportunity to get Lyons residents outside to support local businesses and explore what the town has to offer.

"In Lyons, our businesses really tend to struggle in the wintertime, because we're a tourist economy," Rogin said. "So we're always looking for ways to help them in the winter months. It's nice to have an event to get people headed downtown to our businesses and restaurants and start their holiday shopping."

Kim Mitchell, director of communications and community relations for Lyons, said the town would eventually like to light the blue spruce in tandem with downtown's other lights, which turned on Tuesday. Mitchell added that the idea for a tree lighting event has been in the works for a year.

"Last year, after we did the Parade of Lights, we were thinking, 'What else can we do to make Lyons extra fun?'" Mitchell explained.

Rogin agreed that the town hopes to continue the ceremony in the future. She said there's potential for it to grow into a bigger event with music performances, food and hot chocolate.

Jackie Brennan, who's lived in Lyons for 35 years, attended Friday's ceremony with her dog. As a self-proclaimed big fan of Hallmark movies, she said she loves when the films end with a Christmas tree lighting in the town square.

"I used to always think, 'We need to do that in Lyons,'" Brennan said. "So when I found out they were doing this, I was just so excited."

Brennan said she thinks the ceremony will become a new winter tradition for Lyons.

"This is beautiful, to light a tree with the snow," Brennan said. "(The town) has always done sweet things during the holidays."

Crystal White, a Lyons resident for about 15 years, said she'd also like to see the ceremony return next season.

"It kind of brings back a sense of community," White said.