Eighteen Boston Square area organizations and businesses have joined neighborhood volunteers in planning and hosting a free, family-friendly Christmas tree lighting party at Boston Square Community Parklet Saturday, Dec. 3, at 5 p.m. The idea is based on the annual downtown Grand Rapids event, but organizers said they wanted to create an event that better reflects the diverse cultures found within the Boston Square area.
The festivities kick off at 5 p.m., with a 6:30 p.m. lighting ceremony at the Boston Square Community Parklet, located at 1505 Kalamazoo Avenue SE.
“When I saw the tree light up last year, I lit up like a little kid,” expressed Sheena Walls, Boston Square neighbor and executive tree lighting committee member. “I knew that I had to be involved in planning the event! I love working with my neighbors to bring the Boston Square Community Tree Lighting back again this year – even bigger and better. After a time of being isolated through COVID, it is so good to celebrate the holiday season with the community.”
The party will include a variety of diverse food, music and talent from across the neighborhood. Along with a ‘flipping of the switch’ lighting ceremony, the event will feature campfires, warm treats, and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.
“The Boston Square community is important to our business and the neighbors have been our customers for nearly 100 years,” shared Bob Vander Lugt, co-owner and president of Modern Hardware. “It was such a great inaugural event last year and we want to help build this event into a neighborhood tradition.”
No registration is necessary.
