New Phila to debut LED tree during holiday lighting ceremony
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Nov. 16, 2023) – City leaders will be ringing in the holiday season and showing off some new decorations during a ceremony on the square Friday evening.
Mayor Joel Day says the most impressive is the 20-foot artificial Christmas tree that went up Monday on the corner in front of the House of Stones building.
“The tree will feature LED lighting displays programmed to music throughout the holiday season. In addition, the Southside Neighbors Facebook group has brought back a Christmas holiday tradition. This past weekend they put up a number of original Christmas displays on the lawn at the corner of South Broadway and Commercial Avenue.”
Local arts supporters Don and Susie Whittingham purchased the tree and donated it to the city through the New Philadelphia Rotary Heritage Fund. It will come on for the first time at the conclusion of Friday’s Downtown Lighting Ceremony.
“As an added touch to our Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations, the Mayor’s office is encouraging downtown merchants and restaurants to decorate their storefronts. I want to thank everyone for their efforts to make this a very special holiday season and the beginning of new traditions in New Philadelphia.”
The ceremony begins at 6:45 around the gazebo and includes performances from student singers and musicians from the New Philadelphia school district. There will also be free cookies, hot cocoa, face painting, and meet-and-greets with Santa.