Oswego Starts Holiday Season With Christmas Tree Lighting, Home For The Holidays Event

by Shea O'Malley | December 1, 2020 12:46 pm

OSWEGO – The Port City officially kick-started the holiday season with their annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Saturday, Nov. 28.

Wall to wall people usually flock to the yearly celebration, eager to ring in  holiday festivities and fun, but things looked a tad bit different this year, shoulder to shoulder crowds a thing of the past.

With COVID-19 cases on the rise in the county, Mayor Billy Barlow and the Economic Development Office developed a virtual event for residents to watch from the comforts of their homes.

The idea eliminated the fear of virus spread while maintaining the time-honored Oswego tradition, thus making the holiday spirit shine a little brighter for residents in a pandemic weary city.

Oswego Director of Economic Development Nathan Emmons and Economic Development Specialist Amy Murphey hosted the event along with special guests Santa and Barlow.

The program was live-streamed from Civic Park in downtown Oswego, the event featuring video presentations by the Oswego Homeschool Association Choir, Creations Dance Studio, and magician Chris Wheel. Local businesses were also featured in mini “commercials” for viewer familiarity.

The live show was available through the City of Oswego’s YouTube channel[1] and Mayor Barlow’s official Facebook page[2].

“We had to do things a little different this year, but we were never going to consider cancelling the Christmas Tree Lighting, right? You just can’t do that,” Barlow said. “We had to put a virtual experience together, and I think it came together quite well.”

Numerous mask-clad residents did attend the event, eager to participate in some type of yuletide activities; everyone maintaining social distancing protocols – holiday style.

The event ended with the tree lighting, followed by a fireworks display situated over the Oswego River. Residents were asked to stay in their vehicles or maintain social distancing protocols for viewing.

To further welcome in the yuletide season, Oswego will be hosting a Home for the Holidays weekend Dec. 4-6. This will be a fun-filled Christmas event showcasing Oswego’s downtown businesses and restaurants.

Festivities will include carriage rides, roaming carolers, raffles and much more. Discounts and promotions will be available at downtown shops and eateries. For more information on the Home for the Holiday event, click here[3].

 

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/news/oswego/oswego-starts-holiday-season-with-christmas-tree-lighting-home-for-the-holidays-event/

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