Tree lighting marks start of Jack Frost Festival

By RICHARD JENKINS

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Ironwood - Even with the falling snow and winds, a small crowd gathered at Depot Park in Ironwood Wednesday for the tree lighting ceremony that kicks off the annual Jack Frost Festival.

"Today we gather to inaugurate the beginning of our annual Jack Frost Winter Festival. A festival to celebrate and embrace our glorious winter season," Mayor Annette Burchell said to start the event. "A season of gratefulness for the people and ideals that matter. A season of giving and caring, where we come together to help those in need."

The crowd couldn't help but laugh when Burchell talked about the history of associating evergreens with the winter solstice as a reminder of lush greenness and the coming spring while bracing against the blowing snow.

She also reminded the audience about the spirit of the holiday.

"As the holidays approach ... we must remind ourselves that it isn't about how big the tree is, it isn't about the presents that are under the tree - it is about who's around the tree with us," Burchell said.

After Burchell, a group from Ironwood's ACCENT show choir performed Christmas carols before the crowd turned its attention to Ironwood Chamber of Commerce Director Michael Meyer and the actual lighting of the tree.

With the tree lit, the crowd hurried into the chamber of commerce for refreshments and additional carols.

The tree lighting kicked off the Jack Frost Festival, which Meyer said runs through to the Norrie Amateur Sports Club's tree burning in January.

"We call the festival all the events that are happening during that time," Meyer said, with the Jack Frost parade taking place Dec. 2 at 6 p.m.

Meyer said Santa will be taking pictures with kids before the parade this year, to avoid over-tiring both kids and parents.

He said a full schedule of events can be found at the chamber's website, ironwoodchamber.org.