December 1, 2014 at 3:56 p.m.
Rhinelander ushers in holiday season with tree-lighting ceremony
Rhinelander ushers in holiday season with tree-lighting ceremony
This year the festivities looked a little different than in years past. A Christmas parade usually precedes the tree-lighting ceremony but, according to Dana DeMet, executive director of the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce, the interest level wasn't high enough this year to sustain the tradition.
"I don't think it was in any way a damper on the evening," DeMet said. "I know people are always going to be disappointed when things like that are canceled. It was a tough decision to make, but we looked at the number of people we thought would be in the parade and the kind of product we wanted to put out there, and it didn't look like something we wanted to do. We're definitely looking to continue with it next year and years beyond that. It's something that has been going on for five years or so, so we'd like to keep it up. We've regrouped with a couple people from the (planning) committee and we'll continue to do that to make plans for next year so we can get a really nice parade and continue that tradition."
The change of plans put a wrench in the evening's schedule but DeMet said the group was able to scramble and everything turned out just fine.
"I thought it was great," he said. "With the changes we had to make as a result of the parade, it was last minute. It was just a few days before. We had a few curveballs. Usually the RHS Choir is able to come out and sing some carols for us, but with the slight time change that happened as a result of canceling the parade, they weren't able to come anymore. Thankfully, Nativity came out and did a really great job."
A large crowd showed up for the event and the youngest in the group hit a fever pitch when Santa and Mrs. Claus finally arrived. Children waited in line for their turn to take pictures with the holiday icons and others enjoyed the complimentary hot chocolate and cookies.
DeMet said between 200 and 300 people attended the tree-lighting ceremony, judging by the amount of cups of hot chocolate they handed out.
Despite the cancellation of the parade, DeMet said he was more than happy with the way the event turned out. It was a great way to start the holiday season within the community.
"I think it's a great event because it's an opportunity for people from the community who are back visiting family or friends to come out and share in the celebration," he said. "A lot of people at home use this weekend to decorate their trees and really start the Christmas season, so it's fun to start it on the city side of things. If anything, it gets people out and around town who are looking to get out and do something. We look forward to doing this every year."
Andy Hildebrand may be reached at [email protected].
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