Christmas Tree Lighting

Petersburg, Alaska

November 29, 2013

5:00pm

Today is Black Friday in our little town.  The stores opened at the regular time and they had storewide sales.  The best part of today is the chance to visit and connect with friends and neighbors. The day is being capped by our annual Christmas tree lighting tradition.  Even the weather seems to be  cooperating.  The rain stopped just as people started gathering.

Members of the high school band directed by band teacher Matt Lenhard play Christmas tunes.

Members of the Son's of Norway provide warm apple cider.

Peopled gather in one of two places.  Either here, at First Bank, across the street from the tree, or at the top of PFI hill.   The people who gather at the top of PFI hill will parade through town to the tree, carrying candles.  It is a lovely sight to behold.

The blue and red flashing lights signal the arrival of....

SANTA

Followed by a parade of people with candles.

This year thanks to Matt Bryner, we will have lights on our tree. According to the Petersburg Pilot, Matt solicited donations from local businesses to buy lights to add to the sad, single strand that has flanked our tree for years.  He told me it will be even better next year.  Matt, Jennifer and Sawyer Bryner wait for the tree to be lit.

 My nephew Casey waits patiently too.

Here is our tree....

Jeanette Ness, having just been honored for her 29 years of service as the Public Health Nurse's assistant in a celebration before the lighting, did the honor of flipping the switch.

Let the season of lights begin!!!

Thank you Carol McCabe for sharing this YouTube video on Facebook.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osnNudNI6CM