|
 At
a bone chilling 20 degrees and with a relatively brisk breeze
blowing around the Logan County Courthouse square, the number of
guests attending the lighting may have been down slightly.
In fact, it was chilly enough that the carriage rides around the
square were cancelled for the evening.
But even so, the brave souls that came out enjoyed the event, and
there was a good number of them that enjoyed gathering inside Guest
House Coffee and Pastries until the very moment the event began.
About one minute before starting time, 30 people were counted
exiting Guest House. Those folks then gathered in little groups
huddling together to brave the cold.
A few feet from the courthouse steps on the west side
of the courthouse, Kathie Williams, the long-time organizer of the
event and Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch made quick work of delivering
“thank you” messages and announcements before presenting the orders
for the trees to be lit.
Williams welcomed all those in attendance, and reminded the group
that throughout the year, there have been loved ones lost in the
community. She asked for a moment of silence in memory of those who
not with us this year.
She also delivered words of appreciation to the Logan County Board
and Keven Bateman and the Up in Smoke committee for permitting the
trees on the square and providing the electric hook-ups for all of
them.
This year the trees surround the courthouse on all
four sides. Guests who come into town, and view the trees from their
vehicles, from the weekend carriage rides, or they can take a
leisurely walk around the square carefully looking for the hidden
treasures inside each tree.
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The trees this year as just as outstanding as they
have been in years past, with themes that include honoring and
memorializing lost loved ones. Other trees are themed according to
the offerings of the business that decorated the tree, such as one
that features all types of Ford decorations by Jim Xamis Ford.
Others feature decorations in line with some of our more popular
movies such as Minion’s and the Grinch.
Some of the trees have been done by area schools and feature home
made decorations by the children who attend the school.
In summary, each tree is unique to the people who designed it. The
colors range from pinks, purples, blues, orange and even yellow to
all white lights, and multicolored lights. Some have bold, beautiful
large decorations while others are more subtle featuring delicate
decorations and handmade ornaments.
Regardless of what your personal taste may be, we can
almost guarantee that unless you are a real Ebenezer Scrooge or
Grinch-to-the-Max, there will be at least one tree in the bunch that
you will love.
The trees will be up and lit throughout the month of December. We
encourage everyone to make TWO trips to see the trees. Check them
out in the daylight to see all the unique decorations and toppers,
then come back after dark and see for yourself the dramatic
difference the lights make on each tree.
And, of course, while you are there, be sure to check
out the downtown stores inside and out, as many of those businesses
have gone all out decorating their windows for the holiday season.
[Nila Smith] |
