Scott's Corner
Here’s to New Traditions
For years, the City of Rainier did its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on the front steps of city hall. That location made sense for any number of reasons.
However, it became clear after a while that the event had simply outgrown that venue. This was a good problem to have; the event was so popular that the front steps were getting more crowded every year.
Rainier Council President Mike Kreger along with his wife Kitty set about to create a solution. They formed a nonprofit called Rainier Winterfest and set about raising money for a large artificial tree to be placed at the city’s A Street Plaza area.
They had a vision of what they wanted to do, and they went forward with carrying it out. Some of the donations for the new tree came from the many organizations that Mike belongs to and others were from local businesses. The Chamber of Commerce made a contribution and Rightline even donated a sled!
The tree was set up in time for the December 3 tree lighting. A large crowd gathered in the minutes before Santa arrived on a firetruck with a rock star entrance. He stepped down and started high fiving many of the children in the crowd as Mrs. Claus stood by in support.
After giving some remarks, Santa and Mrs. Claus lit the tree. The crowd was understandably impressed as the tree’s glow spread throughout the Plaza.
Children then lined up inside the Eagles Lodge for photos with Santa and hot cocoa.
All in all, the event was a huge success. And for as large as the crowd was, the Plaza could have held many more people.
This was the first time the tree lighting was ever held at the Plaza, but it will not be the last. The Plaza will also be serving as the location for many other future events.
A few months ago, two separate Trunk or Treat events were held at the Plaza. Both were well-received as safe, family-friendly alternatives to trick or treating. They went so well that this will probably also become a new tradition.
Aside from that, plans are in the works to do an Easter event at the Plaza.
The Plaza was the result of the A Street Project, which was completed in 2020. Because the project affected the parking for some adjacent businesses, the Plaza concept was developed as a means of enabling residents to gather for events.
If the tree lighting ceremony is any indication, the Plaza will be hosting many fun events far into the future.
Scott Jorgensen, City Administrator
City of Rainier
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