Mayor Steve Allender and wife Shirley push the lever to light the Wilson Park Christmas tree as co-emcee Mike Modrick provides the countdown.
(City Photo/Darrell Shoemaker)
The ninth annual Wilson Park Tree Lighting ceremony was celebrated by a large crowd Tuesday night, Nov. 21.
Santa Claus handed out candy canes and volunteers served up hot chocolate and cookies from Mount Rushmore Road businesses. The Wilson School Elementary singers serenaded the audience with holiday songs. Mayor Steve Allender and wife Shirley pulled the lever to light the large Wilson Park tree, adorned in beautiful Christmas lights.
The Mount Rushmore mascots attended the event as did Nugget from the Rapid City Rush. Council member Lisa Modrick served as emcee and Council members Jason Salamun, Ritchie Nordstrom and Laura Armstrong also attended the event.
Mayor Allender's Christmas wish was for the community to join together in the Christmas holiday spirit.