Counting down from 10 in both official languages, Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre flipped the switch on the “Merry and Bright” tree in the courtyard of Tom Davies Square Dec. 1.
The Merry and Bright tree is an artificial spruce standing 26 feet tall and 12 feet in diameter. It is lit with 1,325 high-efficiency warm white LED bulbs which accomplish 80 per cent energy savings compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.
It will now be lit until the week after Orthodox Christmas.
The tree-lighting event included entertainment from the Nickel City Sound and Black Bull Moose Singers, as well as hot beverages, cookies and fudge, which were gobbled up in short order.
Lefebvre said the many tree-lighting events across Greater Sudbury this time of year (there were four just this weekend alone) are a great way to “get into that holiday mood.”
“The holidays can be a very special time of year, and it's an opportunity for heartfelt family traditions, enjoying great food and gathering with family and friends,” Lefebvre said.
“I'm so happy to gather here at Tom Davies Square, this iconic building that you can see right behind you. We have a nice crowd tonight, and I'm looking forward to the next few years where this company becomes a cultural hub that will be full of people all the time.”
Although he was lighting a tree, Lefebvre noted that people’s holiday traditions can take many forms, and he wished citizens “celebrations be filled with joy and peace.”
Lefebvre also noted that the holiday season can be challenging for some, including those who are spending them alone, have lost a loved one, are struggling financially or are working on the front lines.
“Remember to be compassionate and be kind to one another,” he said. “We can all reach out and spread the holiday cheer to one another.”
Heidi Ulrichsen is Sudbury.com’s assistant editor. She also covers education and the arts scene.
