Our Lady of Grace holds snowy annual tree lighting

Let it snow!

The cold weather and the snow didn’t stop merrymakers from enjoying the third annual Our Lady of Grace Tree Lighting. Held on Saturday, December 9, at the parish, 430 Avenue W, attendees relished all the holiday fun that the parish provided to enhance the growing tradition.

“It was great. We were very happy with the number of people that showed up,” said Jamie McFarland, the marketing chair for the school and event. “We were worried that the snow would’ve put a damper on it but it didn’t. We had about 150 people, which for a snowy day was a really good turnout.”

Kids were able to visit with Santa and the character Olaf from the hit film “Frozen.” Guest speakers made appearances, and attendees enjoyed entertainment, music from a deejay, refreshments such as hamburgers, hot dogs and more.

McFarland said children had a blast.

“They had a great time,” she said. “The kids look forward to it every year. I think everybody enjoys it. A lot of people said that they were happy we went forward with it because they have a great time and look forward to it all year. The Our Lady of Grace Chorus, which is made up of the children of the parish, performed, and Santa came and brought bags of candy for the kids.”

“After the lighting of the individual family trees, we lit the big tree and then invited everyone downstairs to the lower church for refreshments,” added Elisa Viesta, marketing coordinator. “It’s a reason for people to get together outside of the normal things and it’s a few minutes in the holiday season for a little calm and a reminder what the season is really about.

McFarland agreed.

“It’s one of our biggest events,” he said. “We’re happy that we did it. It got everyone in the Christmas spirit.”