Springfield rings in the holiday season at Mayor's Tree Lighting with brand new tree

A countdown rang out over downtown Saturday night, though it wasn't New Year's Eve. Rather, it was November in Park Central Square with a crowd of people, Santa Claus and Mayor Ken McClure counting down to set a new, 49-foot-tall holiday tree aglow and mark the start of Springfield's holiday celebrations.

Before the tree was illuminated with white lights, those in attendance at the Mayor's Tree Lighting and Holiday Show enjoyed performances by local artists, holiday treats and a story time reading of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" with McClure. Families had the opportunity, albeit at the expense of a long wait, to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus and take free rides on horse-drawn carriages and the SGF Holiday Express Train around the Square. All evening, ice skating was free at the Jordan Valley Ice Park.

While an annual celebration, this year's event was unique as it included the brand new, larger artificial tree that sat atop the Claus's house where they took photos with guests. The new tree cost $15,000 and was purchased with a donation from the Hatch Foundation.

Ann Tompkins, who has attended the event in the past, said she was glad to see the city invest in the new tree.

"It's not Rockefeller Center, but it's getting there," she said.

The city's chief spokesperson Cora Scott estimated that about 2,500 people attended the event.

Hopes for years to come

The event included three food trucks with churros, donuts and the Almighty Sando Shop. While Tompkins said she would like to see more food vendors in the future, with long lines and wait times, she said the event was a great night for the family.

Her daughter, Ariana, said her favorite part was meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus. This year, she is hoping to get two hermit crabs for Christmas, as one would need a friend.

Before the tree lighting, an hour-long program of recordings of local performers, from the Springfield Ballet to musical numbers in Tlaquepaque, Mexico, was projected in the Square with many grooving along to familiar Christmas tunes. For Missy Scranton and her family, this was their first year at the lighting. She said she would like to see live performers in upcoming years rather than recordings but understands the role weather can play.

Missy and her husband Jeff Scranton reminisced on their youth as they saw kids climb onto the fountain on the Square. Missy said she appreciated the tree being atop the house as it made it easier for all to see and gave the Claus couple a warm and dry place to be.

Their son Alexander Scranton enjoys donning Victorian fashion apparel and came to the event in a top hat and cloak from the era. While he said some passing by thought he was a Scrooge, he assured them he was on the good side. (The real Scrooges visited earlier: Two days before the event, Springfield Police Department posted to social media that several people had been caught on camera taking bulbs off of the tree and breaking them.)

Alexander said McClure — who wore a similar top hat —complimented his headgear.

Alexander said he will also be a part of the Springfield Christmas Parade that takes place on Dec. 9 at 2 p.m.

Festivities yet to come

Along with the large holiday tree, trees around the Square were lit with colorful lights and lampposts held lit snowflakes. The History Museum on the Square had special window displays depicting forest animals helping deliver letters to Santa. The museum held a special "Christmas on the Square" exhibit that will continue until Jan. 7.

More: Real or artificial? City Council considers new plan for Park Central Square Christmas tree

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be vising Park Central Square again from 6-8 p.m. every Friday and Saturday leading up to Christmas. Free ice skating at Jordan Valley Park with $3 skate rental will be offered again 7-8:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, Dec. 9, Dec. 23 and Dec. 25.

Marta Mieze covers local government at the News-Leader. Contact her with tips at mmieze@news-leader.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield Mayor's Tree Lighting marks start of holiday season