Traditions take a while to develop. That’s why they’re called traditions!
But after the City of Oldsmar held its second annual tree lighting ceremony last night, it appears this community event could be on the fast track to earning its “tradition” status.
Roughly three times as many people turned out for the tree lighting in front of Oldsmar City Hall on Tuesday as did for the inaugural ceremony last year, and the event included everything from schoolkids caroling to an appearance by jolly old St. Nick himself.
In between songs from the Oldsmar Elementary School choir, Oldsmar Mayor Doug Bevis and City Council member Dan Saracki said a few words.
Following the caroling, and before Santa showed up, Mayor Bevis, along with Oldsmar Citizens of the Year John and Joyce Saunders, threw the giant switch that illuminated the 25-foot-tall tree. much to the delight of the crowd that was spilling out onto State Street.
Later, the officials spoke about the terrific turnout for Oldsmar’s new holiday tradition.
“If you were able to attend, our second annual tree lighting was a great success tonight in front of City Hall,” Mayor Bevis said during the City Council meeting that followed the ceremony.
“The citizens of the year, John and Joyce Saunders, were there to help flip the switch. Also, Oldsmar Elementary choir provided the entertainment, Santa Claus stopped by for the kids. and thanks to (the) Oldsmar Historical Society for providing the cookies.”
Saracki also praised the tree lighting during his Council comments at the end of the meeting.
“The first thing I want to mention is the tree lighting,” he said. “I think there was three times as many people there this year than last year.”
“It was absolutely amazing, the children’s choir was fantastic. I really enjoyed it.”
Here are some photos from Oldsmar’s second annual tree lighting ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015:
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