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Local village lights up tree |
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Friday, 04 December 2009 |
By KATIE YANTIS
Staff Writer
NEW BREMEN — The sounds of Christmas tunes could be heard coming from Lock One Park Thursday night.
The Village of New Bremen held its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony sponsored by the New Bremen-New Knoxville Rotary Club and opened with the New Bremen High School choir.
“I want to thank everyone who showed up for our tree lighting,” New Bremen-New Knoxille Rotary Club President Steve Hartwig said.
The Rev. Steve Wills of St. Peters Church said a prayer before the lighting.
“We thank you for the reason to turn the lights on,” Wills said during the prayer. “We need to be mindful that Jesus is the light of the world, which is the peace, hope, love and joy he gives.”
Hartwig shared with the crowd about the Rotary Club and what all they have to offer to the community.
“We have the annual Christmas tree lighting, the Easter egg hunt, we offer scholarships to graduating seniors,” Hartwig said.
He also mentioned job shadowing out in the community and the ongoing park project in front of Lock One Theater.
Mayor Jeff Pape also thanked the community for attending the event and Wills for his prayer.
“That really means so much, since I have been Mayor, I said we will always recognize what is important about Christmas,” Pape said. “I want to thank the Rotary, they do a great job and it turned out well again this year.”
Pape said he thought this year’s attendance was the best the event has seen.
“Everything went real well,” Pape said. “The new lights look really good and it was probably the best crowd we have ever seen. It’s just another way for the townspeople to get together.”
Hartwig agreed with Pape on the success of the event.
“It was a nice crowd, comparable to last year,” Hartwig said.
He also said the residents like the event for all that it has to offer.
“Hearing the choir, spending a night out together,” Hartwig said. “Seeing Santa and seeing the faces on the little kids.”
Resident Dave Schroer carried his son, 5-year-old Jason, up to Santa during the event.
“Can I tell you want I want for Christmas,” Jason asked.
After Santa Claus answered with a “Merry Christmas” and an “Of course,” Jason started on his list.
“I want an electric guitar, a microphone stand and a microphone,” Jason included in his list.
Schroer said he enjoys going to the event for the fellowship with the community.
“Just the community sharing and everything,” Schroer said. “It doesn’t happen enough.”
At 7 p.m. Sunday, the village will hold the annual Christmas in the Village event at the Dicke Auditorium.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 12 January 2010 )
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