Cane Hill Holds Tree Lighting Ceremony

Cane Hill’s Tree Lighting was a huge success with the largest crowd in history. Guests started arriving early and parking was soon diverted to the “overflow lot.”

The food tables had a wide assortment of goodies and hot beverages. As guests enjoyed the food and good cheer, they had an opportunity to preview door prizes and enter their guesses in a tree trivia contest before the tree lighting at 6:30.

The person chosen to throw the switch was selected from the door prize entries and the lucky winner was Shayla Gonser. The crowd left the comfort of the heated tent to gather in the darkness of downtown Cane Hill until the magic moment when the entire area was filled with the brilliance of holiday splendor.

After a few photo oppor- tunities everyone retreated to the tent for the arrival of the guest of honor, Santa himself, who consulted with all the kids on their Christmas wishes and handed out small gifts.

Following was a rousing chorus of carols, highlighted by “The Twelve Days of Christmas” where various tables and groups sang a different chorus. The Springfield Ranch Hunt Club delighted all with their spirited rendition of “A Partridge in a Pear Tree.”

Then to the serious business of prizes at the ceremony. Macy Jones won a lovely sunflower afghan for her nearly correct guess of tree ornaments and lights. There were door prizes for all and everyone was reluctant to leave the good cheer and camaraderie of the evening.

The Cane Hill Christmas Tree will remain lit evenings until the Feast of Three Kings on Jan. 6. Be sure to drive by some evening.