The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
CITY’S HOLIDAY SEASON KICKS OFF
Spectators flock downtown for 48th annual lighting program
It was tough to tell Nov. 30 during downtown Willoughby’s 48th annual Holiday Lighting Program who was having more fun — the parents or their children.
Take Willoughby resident Meghan Hildebrecht, for example. She attended this year’s event with her daughter, 5-year-old Mary Gibson, and sister Colleen Miocic, who lives in Concord Township.
Hildebrecht said what she enjoys most about the downtown Willoughby holiday-season staple — which has grown exponentially over the last several years — is watching her daughter enjoy it.
“We’ve come the last three years — rain, sleet or snow,” she said shortly before the show officially began at 7 p.m. “And, just to see her get so excited, that’s what it’s all about for me.”
She said she, Mary and Miocic have been coming to the event for the past three years and plan on making it a tradition and especially look forward to next year’s edition because there will be a fourth participant.
“I’m expecting my first baby and I cannot wait to start a new tradition here next year with my sister and my niece,” Miocic said, adding how much she enjoys the overall warmth and holiday cheer the gathering imparts.
“We love to see the little kids singing Christmas carols, Santa coming down Erie Street and everyone just having such a good time. It really is the perfect way to kick off the holidays.” — Willoughby resident Meghan Hildebrecht
Hildebrecht echoed her sister’s sentiments.
“We love to see the little kids singing Christmas carols, Santa coming down Erie Street and everyone just having such a good time,” she said. “It really is the perfect way to kick off the holidays.”
Another local family agreed.
“We do it every year,” said Samantha Laurinaitis who, along with husband, Jason, and 1-year-old son, Tristan, watched the festivities from above the crowd below on the second floor of Fiona’s Coffee Bar & Bakery.
Samantha said she grew up in downtown Willoughby and has been attending the event for as long as she can remember.
Jason, who did not grow up in Willoughby, said he
has been impressed with the city’s personality and thinks the annual Holiday Lighting Program is a great way to bring the community together for the holidays.
“Just the community — everyone coming out to celebrate, the community being
together — is great,” he said, adding what a special place the city, where he and his family live, is. “I think Willoughby is a pleasant surprise. When people think of small, downtown areas with lots of character, they think of Chagrin Falls and Hudson. But I
think Willoughby’s a hidden gem. It’s just a great place to be.”
Both Jason and Samantha agreed they plan on making the event a family tradition.
One event participant whose presence has helped define the tradition over the last 26 years said he’d describe the event as “smalltown America at its best.”
Outgoing Willoughby Mayor David Anderson took his spot on stage at the program for the last time this year as the community and his family gathered around him. He said he’s enjoyed each and every one and thanked everyone in attendance for their support.
“Oh, it’s phenomenal,” he said of the event. “This is just such a pleasure year after year. We have great weather this year, so there’s a great crowd. But then, again, we have a great crowd even when we don’t have great weather.”