Crown Point’s historic downtown square is once again alight with festive cheer following the city's Annual Tree & Tank Lighting Ceremonies. The beloved tradition always marks the start of a packed calendar of holiday events for the Hub City, and this year, the night’s festivities were bigger than ever before.
This year, the city partnered with the Crown Point Chamber of Commerce and the Lake Court House Foundation to host the inaugural Christmas on the Square celebration. Residents enjoyed food trucks, letters to Santa, ornament decoration, face painting, horse & carriage rides, booths from a host of local vendors, and of course, the annual performances by the Crown Point Choir and the Harmony Handbells.
“I think this crowd is two or three times larger than last year,” said Mary Freda, Communications/Media Manager for the City of Crown Point. “This is a great tradition for our community, and a great way to gather before it gets a little too cold out. It brings the community together, here in one space, to really celebrate the holidays.”
Mayor Pete Land had the honor of lighting the trees, a first for him since taking over the office.
“I’ve come to this every single year since my kids were small and I’m so proud to participate [this year] in a different role,” said Land. “It’s so exciting to see friends, family and neighbors come out. There’s something magical about a Christmas tree, the hot chocolate, and this whole experience.”
Land noted his excitement to partner with the Chamber of Commerce and Lake Court House foundation and expand the holiday celebrations – particularly as it shines a light on the community’s small businesses. The mayor officially recognized the Saturday after Black Friday as Small Business Saturday.
“It is so important as we go out for the holiday season and do our shopping, that we don’t forget our local businesses and shop small,” he said. “The men and women all around the square and Crown Point make a huge capital investment in our community to open up a business and put their heart and soul into it. Remember to shop local as much as you can and take care of those small business owners.”
Another new addition this year were 100 uniquely decorated trees that encircled the historic courthouse. The efforts were crafted by local businesses to celebrate their shops and the community, memorialize loved ones, and to generate simple holiday cheer.
“The Lake Court House Foundation and the City Chamber came to us with the idea and we said ‘absolutely, what can we do to help',” Land said.
“What a great idea. If you have any chance during the holiday season walk around the Square, even if you can’t come at night, please come by and see the beautiful decorations done by our local businesses and the time and effort they put in. It makes the whole square look great.”
Following the tree lighting, the festivities moved a couple blocks down the street to the Tank Memorial sitting on Goldsborough and North Main Street for the Annual Tank Lighting, which celebrates the nation’s veterans.
“I’m so honored to be a part of this ceremony personally as the mayor,” Land said. “It is so important that the City of Crown Point always recognizes our veterans. This is a small way that we can do that as we kick off the holiday season. I know especially during this season, there are families of our troops that can’t be with their loved ones. There’s a sacrifice made, and we recognize those families.”
Crown Point’s calendar of events continues tomorrow morning with their Annual Santa Parade, as well as the Winter Market which will be hosted at St. Peter and Paul Macedonian Hall. To keep up with all of the city’s holiday happenings, visit www.crownpoint.in.gov and www.facebook.com/CityofCrownPointIN.
