The City of Edwardsville will host the Mayor's Tree Lighting Ceremony tonight, December 6, with the festivities kicking off at 6:00 PM. Details on this event are noted below:
- At 6:00 PM, the Ho Ho Express will set off into the neighborhoods , exiting from the City Hall parking lot. This is the annual UTV/ATV parade where participants decorate their vehicles for the season and roll through residential neighborhoods letting residents know that the tree lighting will follow. The route for the parade can be found by visiting THIS LINK. Unlike the Spooky Express in October, there will be no stops during this parade, but it will provide a fun, roving lightshow all around town!
- The parade is expected to conclude shortly after 7:00 PM, when vehicles will stop along 4th St., northeast of City Hall. They will provide the backdrop for this portion of the event. Mayor Caiharr will welcome the crowd and provide a few remarks before counting down the crowd for the lighting of the trees. Special thanks to our tree sponsors this year: American Dish, Kaw Valley Companies, WyCo District 7 Commissioner Chuck Stites, Gold Glove Charities, and Mayor Caiharr herself.
- After the lighting of the trees, the Edwardsville Elementary choir will give a performance of holiday favorites in front of the tree display.
- Following the choir performance, the Ho Ho Express lead vehicle, with Santa in tow, will continue into the City Hall parking lot and lead the crowd to the Edwardsville Community Center.
- At the Community Center, guests can wait in line for a visit with Santa, take part in the Christmas Card Creation Stations, and enjoy sweets and coco. While in line for Santa, make sure you cast your vote for the first ever EDW Gingerbread House Contest. This year's four entries will be on display along the west wall of the Community Center.
We expect the festivities to wind down around 8:30-8:45 this evening. You may park at either the Community Center or City Hall parking lots. You are encouraged to arrive shortly before 7:00 PM so you don't miss any of the fun. We'll see you there, Edwardsville!