Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr., and Santa lead the crowd in a song at the 2008 Christmas tree-lighting and community sing-along.
DEARBORN, Mich. – Dearborn’s holiday tradition continues with the annual lighting of the official City Christmas tree and community sing-along on Tuesday, Dec. 1.
The public is invited to this free event, which begins at 6 p.m. at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Avenue (corner of Greenfield).
The night will include music performances, a sing-along lead by Mayor John B. O’Reilly and a chance to visit with Santa.
“Just as in the past, this year’s program promises to be an uplifting event,” O’Reilly said. “The tree lighting is one my favorite Dearborn traditions, the sense of community and belonging that it fosters stays with me all year.”
The Dearborn High School Jazz Band will kick-off the festivities with a performance near the entrance to The Center’s Michael A. Guido Theater.
Following the band, five-year-old Maryam Majed will help Mayor O’Reilly light the tree. Maryam is a kindergarten student at Lowery Elementary School where her favorite subject is English. Outside of school, she enjoys playing soccer and watching Dora the Explorer.
Following the lighting ceremony, everyone is invited into The Center for a performance by the Verdi Opera Theater of Michigan, the Dearborn Public Schools’ Honors Choir and the Dearborn Community Chorus.
Mayor O’Reilly will follow the performance and lead the audience in a Christmas sing-along.
Santa will be on hand in Studio A to meet with children. The Dearborn Lions Club, Tim Hortons of Dearborn and Park Place Catering will be providing candy-canes and refreshments.