MEDIA ALERT
The 2017 Downtown Tree Lighting in Park Central Square on Saturday, Nov. 18 will include a wide variety of entertainment and free activities for all ages. Crews will begin to set up at the square at 10 a.m. to place the stage, grand piano and video screen. The pre-show begins at 5:30 p.m. when pianist Luke Cooksey takes the stage. The full stage show, co-hosted by City of Springfield's Director of Public Information & Civic Engagement Cora Scott and Bass Pro's Director of Conservation Martin MacDonald, begins at 6 p.m. The show includes performances by Academy Award nominee pianist Dino Kartsonakis, vocalist Jessie Cowen from the Clay Cooper Theater and local singers and dancers from Studio Vie and Springfield Little Theater. The young at heart will be excited to see red carpet arrivals by winter princesses, local mascots, Springfield Batman and of course...Santa Claus. The finale and the Mayor's tree lighting is estimated to occur at 7 p.m.
Immediately following the tree lighting will be a Jingle Bell March around the square, followed by an opportunity for photos with Santa and friends. Guests can enjoy free hot cocoa while supplies last, as well as free carriage rides and ice skating at Mediacom Ice park. 3.Little.Birds will perform around 7:15 p.m.
Mayor Ken McClure, Police Chief Paul Williams and Fire Chief David Pennington will be on hand at Park Central Branch Library at 7:15, 7:30 and 7:45 p.m. for story time.
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For more information, contact Cora Scott at 417-380-3352 or [email protected].