Santa Claus greets attendees Nov. 20 during the tree lighting at PEACE Park West.
Dearborn’s Christmas tree sparkles brightly Nov. 20 during the city’s holiday tree lighting in PEACE Park West.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN – Three Wanderlights installations highlighted the city’s tree lighting Nov. 20 at PEACE Park West, and will be in place through Feb. 20, providing a festive interactive winter display.
The free, family-friendly lighting blends public art and holiday celebration, and is interactive.
Traditional lighting festooned the park as well, where complimentary food trucks at the entrance treated guests to pizza, cinnamon buns and candied nuts prior to the tree lighting.
The combined Dearborn Voices directed by G. Kevin Dewey were joined by the Dearborn Youth Voices directed by Vanessa El-Zein, who entertained guests and drew Santa Claus into the open, where he greeted attendees and later posed for photos.
A Dearborn Public Schools drum line was also on hand to entertain attendees.
An entertainer captures the attention of guests Nov. 20 at PEACE Park West prior to the tree lighting.
Mayor Abdullah Hammoud said the city had some great entertainment lined up to help kick off the holiday season.
City Councilmember Leslie Herrick said music and colorful lights bring everyone together, no matter what their age or where they are from.
“The spirit of the season has come into town, just like Santa on his sleigh,” she said.
Councilmember Gary Enos said the event was great for the whole community and it brings everyone together.
“It shows everyone the vision I think going forward of the city and how beautiful this place is and celebrating the Christmas season and the holiday season,” he said. “I think it is a big win tonight for Dearborn.”
Councilmember Robert Abraham said it was a wonderful event that brings the city together in time for the holidays.
“We can all celebrate together, whatever faith you may believe in,” he said. “It’s a fun event that brings people together to celebrate and have fun.”
Interactive Wanderlights and other holiday decorations brighten PEACE Park West Nov. 20 for Dearborn’s tree lighting.
The Dearborn Combined Voices under the direction of G. Kevin Dewey, as well as Dearborn Youth Voices directed by Vanessa El-Zein provide vocal selections Nov. 20 during the tree lighting at PEACE Park West.
Complimentary pizza is served Nov. 20 outside PEACE Park West prior to the tree lighting.
Drummers from the Dearborn Public Schools perform Nov. 20 at PEACE Park West during the holiday tree lighting.
Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud speaks Nov. 20 at PEACE Park West prior to the holiday tree lighting.
The entrance to PEACE Park West welcomes attendees Nov. 20 with festive holiday lights.
Santa Claus poses for photos Nov. 20 at PEACE Park West during the holiday tree lighting.