KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The City of Kalamazoo will host its Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony this Friday in Bronson Park.
Festivities are planned from 5:00-7:00 p.m., with the lighting of the park at approximately 6:00 p.m.
Activities will include music and dance performances, a kid’s craft tent provided by Kalamazoo Valley Museum, an Elfie station with holiday themed stand ins for photos, a gingerbread-themed tent for photos, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus once they arrive. The Kalamazoo Husky Club will also join in the festivities as well as the Ice Guru with special ice sculptures.
The Holly Jolly Trolley will be running during and after the event from 5:00-9:00 p.m. offering free rides through downtown. The trolley will continue running throughout the holiday season from November 28 to December 24 on Thursdays and Fridays from 5:00-9:00 p.m., Saturdays from 12:00-7:00 p.m., and Sundays from 12:00-4:00 p.m.
The trolley will also have special hours on December 22, December 23, December 24, and on New Year’s Eve.
Complimentary hot chocolate will be available, and other food and refreshments will also be available for purchase from food trucks and vendors lined up along the park on South Street including The Incredible Kettle, Teresa’s Kitchen, Coffee Rescue, Donut Cart, The Lab, and Ibison Concessions.
The event will be emceed by News Channel 3’s Broadcast Meteorologist, Will Haenni. Courtney Moore, an R&B singer-songwriter from Three Rivers, will open the show at 5 p.m., followed by Nashville recording artist Sophia MacIntosh at 5:15 p.m. and retro-inspired group Pinter Whitnick at 5:30 p.m.
At 5:45 p.m., Kalamazoo Mayor Anderson and Kalamazoo City Commissioners will read ’Twas the Night Before Christmas and will lead the countdown to light up the park. Mayor Anderson will join Kalamazoo Civic Carolers shortly after 6 p.m. After the tree lighting, performances will continue with Gemini Moon, a guitar-driven rock and pop duo, at 6:10 p.m., and the Trinity Prep Center dance team at 6:30 p.m.
City records suggest that this Kalamazoo tradition started over 90 years ago, with City Commission meeting minutes from 1937 mentioning the “Sixth Annual Tree Ceremony”.
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