Kent Kraft, for the Gazette Dozens braved the cold Saturday to participate in the lighting of the Calumet Christmas tree in Calumet Commons.

CALUMET – Snow was lightly falling Saturday evening as dozens of people gathered in the Calumet’s new park space, referred to as Calumet Commons, for the inaugural Calumet Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Put on by Main Street Calumet, friends, families, and neighbors of all ages gathered to celebrate the season.

A large tree, decorated in lights and ornaments, was erected prominently in the middle of the public space. People gathered around a fire ring both for the warmth it provided and in order to roast hot dogs and marshmallows. Hot chocolate similarly had the dual purpose of warming up people’s hands and serving as a sweet treat. The constant line to get a cup of the warm beverage showed it to be popular with those in attendance. Close by to the hot chocolate, a cookie decorating station encouraged people to transform blank, premade sugar cookies into edible pieces of art using the supplied frosting and sprinkles.

Jared Howard, Executive Director of Main Street Calumet, welcomed everyone to the celebration. After encouraging everyone to partake in the available goodies, he also kicked off the singalong and provided the guitar accompaniment. Songbooks were provided to those in attendance, and the group sang a few songs to get in the spirit of the season.

Santa Claus was also in attendance, readily available to meet and greet anyone and everyone, young and old. He was also ready to light the tree when it was time.

“We’re going to do a countdown and light the tree,” said Howard, “and then I’m going to ask people come up and get an ornament. We want everyone here, especially the kids, to help us decorate the tree because it’s for the community.” After a countdown, Santa lit the tree to the applause of those gathered.

The Village of Calumet Department of Public Works prepared the space for the activity and the tree was donated for this year’s celebration. All of the treats were provided free to everyone who gathered for the celebration.

This celebration was the kickoff for Christmas in Calumet which continues next weekend. On Sunday, December 14th, “Skate With Santa” takes place at the Gipp in Laurium where everyone is invited for a free public skate from 5pm – 8pm. On Saturday, December 20th, Keweenaw National Historical Park has a Holiday Open House from 10am – 2pm at their Calumet Visitor Center, and dog sledding will be available from 12pm – 2pm in Agassiz Park.

The “Illuminate Calumet Storefront Competition” is ongoing throughout the month. People are invited to walk the streets of Calumet to admire the decorations put up by local businesses, and can vote for their favorite using a link found on the Main Street Calumet website for Christmas in Calumet which can be found at mainstreetcalumet.com/christmas-in-calumet.html.