City Holiday Tree Tradition

No season brings a greater sense of hope than the holidays. It’s a time that calls forth pleasant memories of family gatherings, warm meals, and, perhaps, the promise of something special wrapped in festive paper just for you. Even the grumpiest of grinches give way as familiar, cheerful tunes envelop the experience of grabbing a coffee and shopping in Uptown Westerville. It’s with this sense of optimism that the City is endeavoring to light the 2021 tree on Friday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. in the Westerville City Hall Courtyard (21 S. State St.)

“The 2020 tree lighting event was just one of many canceled because of COVID-19. By that time, we had already weathered eight months of the pandemic and wanted to be celebrating the end in sight. But COVID-19 had other plans,” said Derrick McPeak, Westerville Parks & Recreation Program Supervisor.

With an eye on the delta variant and faith in steadily rising vaccination rates, the City is pushing forward with plans to light the tree in December 2021. Much is still up in the air, but all attendees can count on being encouraged to wear masks and social distance while visiting the tree. Public Health experts at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) agree that masks are greatly effective in hindering the transmission of the virus, especially important considering the highly contagious nature of the delta variant.

A light atop an evergreen is still a beacon and smiles exchanged safely behind masks are still smiles. In a time when community connection is needed more than ever, and until pandemic concerns subside, that will have to be enough.

Find plans for activities and updates about the Westerville Tree Lighting at www.westerville.org/treelighting.

2021 WESTERVILLE TREE LIGHTING

Friday, Dec. 3, 7 p.m. Westerville City Hall, 21 S. State St. www.westerville.org/treelighting. MASKS ARE REQUIRED. PLEASE SOCIAL DISTANCE, EVEN IF VACCINATED.

Did you Know?

The City sources its annual holiday tree from residents each year. If you have a fir or spruce that is at least 25 feet tall that you’d like removed in the fall, call the Urban Forestry team at (614) 901-6591.

Photo caption: Santa and Mayor Kathy Cocuzzi light the 2020 Holiday Tree during the filmed virtual tree lighting.