FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Springfield Mayor Ken McClure is asking churches and other facilities with bells, chimes or carillons, to ring / play them at approximately 7:55 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 21 (or right after the Mayor’s tree is lit) for a moment of unity. Individuals are encouraged to stand on their porches and ring bells as well, as this is the time that he will signal for the tree lighting at Park Central Square. KY3 will broadcast the Mayor’s Tree Lighting Holiday Show beginning at 7 p.m., which leads up to the live, tree-lighting and bell-ringing moment.
“We have all been experiencing a very challenging year, with a lot of sacrifice and loss,” Mayor McClure said. “We cannot celebrate traditions in the way that we normally do. Things are different, but we are still one community and I am grateful for opportunities like this to share our common humanity. Each of us will be ringing a bell for maybe a different reason or purpose. Some will ring in memory or honor of someone loved or lost, some will ring to acknowledge that brighter days are ahead. I will ring to recognize the fact that we are much more alike than we are different.”
McClure, Health Director Clay Goddard and Director of Public Information & Civic Engagement Cora Scott have been meeting weekly with area churches, faith-based organizations and nonprofits. The Have Faith Initiative and a desire for a moment of unity, has evolved out of those discussions, which are now coordinated with Springfield’s “Philanthropy Row” that includes Community Foundation of the Ozarks, Community Partnership of the Ozarks and United Way of the Ozarks. Together, Philanthropy Row organizations have secured and allocated more than $2 million dollars in COVID-19 relief aid to Ozarkers in need.
Springfield’s vast network of faith-based organizations have also provided life-saving emotional and physical health services, including food distribution to the homeless, throughout the pandemic, despite limitations on gatherings and other pandemic-related challenges.
Want to participate?
• Watch the Mayor’s Tree Lighting Holiday show at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21 on KY3.
• At approximately 7:55, (or immediately following the Mayor's tree being lit) follow instructions to ring bells, inside or outside.
• Capture the moment in photo or video and tag the City by using the hashtag #SGFMoment.
• Hop in the car to participate in the drive-thru experience downtown, including Santa Claus!
Directions: The best way to participate in the drive-thru experience is to take Grand to South Avenue. Proceed North on South Avenue, following traffic directions.
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For more information, contact Cora Scott at 417-380-3352 or [email protected].