Songs and Warmth at First Tree Lighting in NHP

by Robin Ragland

It was fun! 175-200 people gathered for our first annual (joint VHCA and VHBA) Tree Lighting event in North Highland Park last week. Our unusually warm weather held, and made for a beautiful evening in the park. Knock Music provided holiday music as well as very talented performers (see photo). City Church Eastside accompanied our caroling with guitars and banjo, and provided a tour of the old Hilan theatre – their future home. Santa’s sleigh got caught in traffic, but he managed to appear in time for selfies in front of the tree.

The first folks who arrived were treated to custom gift bags from blabla kids that were filled with over $75 worth of gifts, coupons, and gift cards from local businesses. Another $2,000 worth of donated gifts and gift certificates were raffled. We raised $595 from the raffle, which enabled us to  purchase two bikes and helmets for the toy drive and donate $297.50 to the Fire Station 19 restoration project.

A salute to our local businesses

Thanks to all our local businesses, whose generosity made the wonderful evening possible. As you complete your holiday shopping, let’s show them how much we appreciate having such great neighborhood businesses, and give them our support in return!

Robin Ragland is a VHCA Board Member and Co-Chair of the Tour of Homes Committee.

Photos by Stephen Cohen