Troy kicks off Christmas season with tree lighting

Troy’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting happened Saturday thanks to help from local volunteers and organizations.

Lincoln County Residents gathered in front of the Lincoln Theatre for a night of fun, food and festivities for the whole family.

The event began at 4 p.m. with games in front of the theater. The games included a beanbag toss, miniature golf, three-pin bowling and a ring toss. Win or lose, everyone who participated received a prize, which could have been either a toy or candy.

Inside the theater, volunteers Dawn Williams and Shellie DeLeo served hot food and drinks to the guests while other volunteers prepared for the showing of The Nativity Story in the screening room. The screening took the place of the live program the theater hosted last year.

Later in the evening, children lined up along North Second Street in order to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, who arrived at the celebration at 5:55 p.m. by fire engine. Five minutes later, Tammy and Larry Mossey lit the tree. 

Troy Mayor Darren Coldwell could not attend, as other matters required his attention.

For the time leading up to the screening, music was played outside while children came up to meet Santa Claus and tell him their Christmas wishes. In addition to the tree lighting and the visit from St. Nick, the celebration included fire pits along East Kootenai Avenue for attendees to gather and enjoy the light and heat of an open wood fire.

Pastor Frank Kanc of the Troy Ministerial Alliance, along with his wife Ronda, expressed confidence in this year’s celebration, believing it would be a blessed time for family members to be together and enjoy the festivities.