Christmas Tree Lighting Kicks Off Four Days of Celebration of Chrsitmas in Ida
The highly anticipated 42nd Annual Christmas in Ida Festival is set to begin on December 1, marking the start of four days of festive celebrations. The lighting of the Community Christmas Tree located at Ida Township Park is a cherished tradition that brings the community together to usher in the holiday season.
The festivities begin at 6:00 PM with a guided procession from the Ida United Methodist Church on Ida East Road to the township park.
Participants will enjoy a heartwarming journey led by Joseph and Mary, accompanied by their donkey and angels portrayed by Gabe and Elizabeth Giarmo and family. The procession will travel three and a half blocks along Ida East Road to Riggs Street, past St. Gabriel Catholic
Church on Van Aiken Street, and finally to Lewis Avenue and the township park. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lantern or flashlight and join in caroling throughout the route. Traffic control will be in place to ensure safety.
Once at the park, the Christmas tree lighting ceremony will take place following the hanging of special ornaments created by families, businesses, community organizations, clubs, and school groups. Ornaments should measure between six and ten inches in diameter, be weather-resistant, and include a secure hanging method. Participants are asked to include their names for recognition.
If you are unable to attend on the evening of the event or if it rains, ornaments can be hung any time before December 7 or dropped off at The Rusty Cup or Zorn’s Service Inc. in Ida.
Ornaments made in previous years will also be rehung on the tree. Parking is available at the Ida United Methodist Church or the township park. For more information about the festival, please visit www.christmasinida.com.
