As an icy evening breeze swept through the crowd, the holiday spirits remained high. Fitting for the weather, characters from Disney's Frozen, Elsa and Anna stopped by to take photos and greet the young children in attendance. Families gathered in front of the tree as children ran and played with light-up wands and other trinkets they had received.  

Sophomore business and psychology major at Lansing Community College Kerima Imes was one of a handful of people handing out drinks and ornaments to attendees. Imes works in the Community and Economic Development department at the East Lansing City Hall and spoke about the behind-the-scenes of the tree lighting. 

"It’s been very fun, we had a way bigger turnout than we were expecting, but that’s good because we know for next year that we can have some more supplies and maybe include some more things."

Imes was also the person who spearheaded the inclusion of pony and horse rides at the tree lighting.  

"I was the one who orchestrated the pony rides, so that was the thing I was most excited for," Imes said. "We were trying to have something for both college students and for the families around here ... pony rides would be great for the kids, so they have something to interact with, and they’re loving that."

As 6 o'clock approached, the newly inducted mayor of East Lansing, Erik Altmann, gave remarks to the crowd: 

"I want to close by proposing a toast in honor of the season and in honor of the work that went into this celebration," Altmann said. "Here is to a community brought together by joyous light.”l"

The crowd cheered and sipped on hot cocoa as Mayor Altmann began the countdown to the tree's lighting.  

The crowd joined him as they counted down: "5, 4, 3, 2, 1!"

Altmann flips the switch, and the audience shouts in awe as the tree flicks on with shimmering-colored lights, with the star on top shining brighter than them all.

Altmann, who is also a psychology professor at Michigan State University, spoke about being part of the first East Lansing Christmas tree lighting.  

"It means a lot, this is such a great event, and I really hope this becomes an annual tradition," Altmann said. People are really excited to be here, and we’re excited to see them, and it’s just great."

He also made sure to mention the employees of the city of East Lansing who have been working for months to organize the event.

"A lot of city staff are here tonight; they’re coming out to show support for the organization, and they put a lot of work into this to put all this together, so that was really important," Altmann said. 

Altmann also spoke to the ingenious idea of turning the Division Street parking garage into an ornament. The idea came from Heather Pope, the Community and Economic Development Director for the City of East Lansing. 

"That was a real inspiration to do that tree ornament, the Division Street garage is iconic...there’s nothing that represents East Lansing like that garage," Altmann said.  

After being elected as the mayor by the East Lansing City Council on Tuesday, Nov. 19, Altmann spoke to attending his first big community event as the mayor. 

"It’s a real honor to represent a community, I really like this work, and I love this community a lot, and it feels great to be a part of it in this capacity," Altmann said.  

Community was a big feeling throughout the evening, and the contribution of some young community members was instrumental in pulling the tree lighting together. 

The Boy Scouts of East Lansing’s Troop 2 made the switch that was used to light the Christmas tree, which was key to the evening’s success. 

Assistant Scoutmaster Aaron Southwell spoke to the effort of the scouts in constructing the switch. 

"They made it from pallets. We cut the boards off, created the stand for it, and put it together with palettes and PVC piping, and then they decorated it," Southwell said.

Southwell also spoke to the excitement the scouts had in being a part of East Lansing history. 

"I think that’s what excited them the most is that it was the first annual Christmas tree lighting," Southwell said. "They had a lot of fun putting it together, and they seemed really excited."

That excitement was well worth it as the scouts got to go on stage to be recognized by the community. Afterwards, they made sure to stop for a quick photo with the tree they helped light. 

East Lansing community member, Kaylee Voight, spoke to the impact of the event in fostering a sense of holiday spirit. 

"I like that they’re revitalizing this area of the downtown, adding the Christmas tree adds to the spirit," Voight said. "It’s super nice to see things so festive, and it’ll be really nice with all the snow."

Voight also spoke to the power of community and bringing people together. 

"I love when people invest in community, it makes the vibe better, it makes everyone happier," Voight said. "It makes things safer because you feel more comfortable in the area. I think there’s only good that can come with this."