Lawrence and Douglas county
Downtown lights up with holiday spirit, Santa Claus
Relatively warm weather draws crowd to annual city tradition
The Holiday Lighting Ceremony along Massachusetts Street kicks off Friday night with clear weather and a crowd. This photo was taken from the roof of Weaver’s Department Store, 901 Mass., facing north.
November 28, 2009
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Holiday tradition draws downtown crowd
Lawrence residents lined Massachusetts Street Friday evening to watch the annual lighting ceremony for the holidays. Santa was also on hand to jot down holiday wishes from area youths. Enlarge video
In a tradition that has been celebrated in downtown Lawrence for nearly 40 years, the holiday lights came on and Santa Claus himself made an appearance to meet with area children.
The jolly old elf arrived on the roof of Weaver’s Department Store, 901 Mass., and was rescued by Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical personnel.
“We love Lawrence this time of year,” said Dana Landes, who has been attending the event for years. “Lawrence is a great place to raise a family.”
Santa listens to Liberty Justice-Dean, 5, give her ideas for Christmas.
Hundreds of people awaited Santa’s arrival at the corner of Ninth and Massachusetts streets Friday night, with holiday spirit filling the relatively warm air.
Children had their wish lists ready as Santa made his way to a stage on the southeast corner of the intersection.
“I want a new Super Mario Brothers DS and ‘Sonic the Hedgehog Archive Volume 6,’ the book,” Raef Landes said.
While children were clear about what they wanted under the tree from Santa on Dec. 25, their parents were celebrating a fun, safe and longstanding tradition in Lawrence.
“It’s a great holiday tradition with Thanksgiving, then come out and see Santa, get the Christmas decorations up, see the lights; we enjoy it,” Kirsten Derby said.
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28 November 2009
at 8:39 a.m.
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gutenberg (Anonymous) says…
Many thanks to Joe Flannery and Weavers for keeping this tradition alive. Hats off, too, to the Lawrence-Douglas County Medical personnel for their help with Santa Claus this weekend and for being available to help everyone else in Lawrence and Douglas County every day of the year.
28 November 2009
at 8:58 a.m.
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uglyrumor (Anonymous) says…
Thanks to all involved in making this happen. We took our 2yo son and he had a blast. Lawrence is very fortunate to have events like this, thanks again.
28 November 2009
at 9:17 a.m.
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Irish (Irish Swearingen) says…
I really think that parents and grandparents enjoy this as much as the kids.
Thanks to all whose time and effort made it possible.
28 November 2009
at 11:15 a.m.
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mommaeffortx2 (Anonymous) says…
was plannig on going but once again life got in the way. maybe next year:(
29 November 2009
at 4:19 p.m.
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oskiejackie (Anonymous) says…
who pays for the electricity ?