City and Downtown Association adjusts is annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Moonlight Magic event
Thursday, October 15, 2020
The Community Tree Lighting Ceremony and the Downtown Association Moonlight Magic officially kicks off the festive season in Sault Ste. Marie. Following Public Health guidelines, the Community Tree Lighting Committee has developed alternative arrangements to help bring joy and celebrate the holiday season this year.
Each year, the Community Tree Lighting Ceremony and Downtown Association Moonlight Magic draws crowds of up to 5,000 people to Sault Ste. Marie’s downtown. At this time, the province’s emergency order is in place, which prevents gathering limits for monitored outdoor events of only 100 people.
As a result, there will be no in-person gathering for the Community Tree Lighting Ceremony and Downtown Moonlight Magic however, the tree will be lit in conjunction with the Downtown Association’s “12 days to light up the holidays”. Impressive light displays will charm the entire length of Queen Street including the future site of the Downtown Plaza. The City along with the PUC is happy to support the Downtown Association’s holiday initiatives and the community is encouraged to shop locally at our downtown vendors and enjoy the various lighting displays.
“We know our annual Community Tree Lighting Ceremony is one that many look forward to, but the health and safety of our citizens continues to be our top priority,” said Mayor Christian Provenzano. “While we might not be able to gather together to celebrate, we can still enjoy the festive season connected as a community. I would like to thank the Downtown Association, City Staff and our Community Partners for developing a really fun and innovative event.”
“The Downtown Association is making arrangements to facilitate late-night shopping throughout the “12 days to light up the holidays”. Although disheartening that we can’t physically gather together as a community, it is necessary in order to continue to maintain public health and safety measures,” said Ashlyn McMillan, Downtown Association's acting manager. “We hope our community enjoys the light displays from our Downtown merchants and the added light features from the City and PUC in a safe and responsible manner.”
The Community Tree Lighting Ceremony Committee is comprised of representation from the City of Sault Ste. Marie, Downtown Association and PUC Services Inc.