This year’s Tree Lighting and Holiday Parade will take place Friday Dec. 6th in Downtown Laramie. The celebration will begin with Mayor Shumway lighting the Christmas tree on the First Street Plaza at 1st and Grand Avenue at 5:30 pm. The parade will follow starting at 6:00 pm along First and Second Streets, between University and Custer. This year’s theme is “Gingerbread Houses”. The parade is generously sponsored by Johnson Auto of Laramie. Prizes will be awarded for best use of theme, lights, and best overall.
This year’s Grand Marshal will be Rowan Shea, #rowanstrong, son of Jodi and Alec Shea, owners of the Curiosity Shoppe and Sweet Pickles. We’ll also be honoring Jerry and Jeanetta Schmidt, owners of Back of the Wagon Antiques, for their 14 years of volunteer service to Laramie Main Street.
Following the tree lighting, Beitel Elementary Bulldog Choir will perform at 5:45 pm on the plaza. This choir is made up of 3rd through 5th grade students, and is directed by music teacher Ivalene Dean. Stay warm with hot chocolate and cider provided by the Laramie Soup Kitchen and Lasso Events, and sit around the outdoor fire pit.
Donation boxes will be available for Operation Laramie Toybox, the local American Legion post’s program in place of Albany County Toys for Tots. Unwrapped toys and donations are welcomed. Bond’s Brewing Company will also be accepting donations for their winter clothing donation drive to benefit in need children of the Albany County School District. Please consider contributing to these great local causes.
Before the parade, families are invited to take photos with Santa, Mrs Claus, and other favorite holiday characters at Corthell and King Law Offices (221 South 2nd Street) from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. After the parade, visit Laramie Dance and Arts Center (170 N 2nd Street, Suite C) to watch a Holiday Showcase from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Hot chocolate and cookies will be available at both of these additional events.
For more information and event updates, check out Downtown Laramie’s Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/events/425054624810096/.
The Laramie Main Street Alliance is proud to host the Tree Lighting and Parade in conjunction with our community partners and volunteers.The Laramie Main Street Alliance strives to preserve historic Downtown Laramie while enhancing its economic and social vitality.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Downtown Laramie, or visit our website laramiemainstreet.org
Want to get involved? We’d love to hear from you! Take a minute to fill out our volunteer application so we can place you in an opportunity to make a difference! https://bit.ly/2XOOfzR