Hundreds of people gathered at Rosa Parks Circle for the "Light Up Downtown" Holiday lighting celebration /John Rothwell
A ice carving of a reindeer on display at Rosa Parks Circle /John Rothwell
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Hundreds of people gathered at Rosa Parks Circle on Friday night to kick off the holiday season with the tree-lighting ceremony, "Light Up Downtown" organized by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.
88.1 WYCE station manager Quinn Mathews and radio personality Gabriella de la Vega hosted the event that provided holiday themed music. Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss was featured counting down the clock to flipping the switch, turning on the holiday lights just after 5:30 p.m.
The Western Michigan University Synchronized Ice Skating Team was on hand, entertaining the crowd with their skills at Rosa Parks Circle ice rink. Adults as well as kids enjoyed the free ice skating at the rink too. Randy Finch of Ice Sculptures Ltd. carved and sculpted a Rudolph-like reindeer with a flashing red nose. Many lined up to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, while hungry festival goers purchased food from several food trucks lined near the event.
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