'O Tannenbaum'

IRONWOOD - Local residents braved chilly winds and snowy conditions to kick off the holidays on Wednesday night, with a tree lighting at Depot Park in downtown Ironwood.

The event was the start of the 20th annual Jack Frost Festival, and about 30 residents attended the event.

"This was totally Ironwood dedication, with these people coming to this event," Mary Hampston, festival planning committee member, said.

The audience listened to Christmas carols sung by the Select Children's Choir, directed by Michelle Parks, the elementary music instructor for the Ironwood Area Schools.

For Judy Decker, of Ironwood, this was her first time attending the event. She and her family moved to the area in August, and attended the tree lighting to watch her family member in the choir.

"This was a very nice event," she said. "The tree is so pretty."

Hampston lit the tree halfway through the ceremony, and everyone was invited inside the Depot for hot cocoa, coffee and cookies afterwards. Before heading inside, Ironwood City Commissioner David Sim addressed the residents, and said he would keep his speech short.

"I'm going to keep it short because I am not one to stand between people and cookies," Sim said. "On behalf of the city, thanks for coming out, because it shows what makes this community so awesome."

According to Hampston, the city of Ironwood employees helped clear snow from the park and Gary Laguna from the city of Hurley helped decorate the tree.

"He helped us with his bucket truck, and we really appreciated it," Hampston said. "It was really nice to have the cooperation with the city of Ironwood as well. The city of Ironwood has really taken care of us."

The Jack Frost Festival peaks with the annual Festival of Lights parade on Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. Information on the parade can be found online at ironwoodchamber.org/events/2.

"We can always use volunteers, anyone willing to help out in planning this event," Hampston said. "It is such a big event for this community."

For more information, call the Ironwood Chamber of Commerce at 906-932-1122.