Springfield Mayor's Tree Lighting Ceremony scheduled for September 17

(From the City of Springfield)

The 2018 Mayor’s Tree Lighting in Park Central Square on Saturday, Nov. 17 will include a variety of entertainment and free activities for all ages.

The pre-show begins at 6 p.m. when pianist Luke Cooksey takes the stage. The full stage show, hosted by City of Springfield's Director of Public Information & Civic Engagement Cora Scott begins at 6:30 p.m. The finale and tree lighting will occur at 7:30 p.m. This year’s tree, a 25-foot blue spruce, will be installed at Park Central Square at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13.

The show includes performances by vocalists Jessie McGoldrick Cowen, Allie & Grace and performers from Studio Vie and Springfield Little Theatre.

The young at heart will be excited to meet and take photos with winter princesses, local mascots, Springfield Batman, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Guests can enjoy free hot cocoa while supplies last, as well as free carriage rides 6-9 p.m. and free ice skating at Mediacom Ice park 6:45-8:45 p.m. (Free admission. Skate rental is $3.) Mayor McClure, Police Fire Chief David Pennington and Police Chief Paul Williams will each read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas at 7:45, 8 and 8:15 p.m., respectively, at Park Central Library. The Mayor’s Commission for Children will provide free copies of the books, while supplies last.

The Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony will also serve as the launch for “Holiday Crossroads,” a holiday compilation album featuring local musicians including Allie Hutsell, the Honkytonk Renovators, Abby Waterworth, Rick and Karen Maxson, Brentwood Christian Church Praise Band members and the Reed Middle School Choir, among others.

City of Springfield Director of Public Information & Civic Engagement Cora Scott came up with the idea for the album as a way to create awareness about Springfield's rich musical scene and expand the downtown Festival of Lights. Proceeds from the album’s sales will fund holiday lighting, events and activities in downtown Springfield.

Shawn Matthews with Mozark Studios is the album’s executive producer.