The annual Lights on Ceremony that takes place each year in Helper, otherwise known as Utah’s Christmas Town, for nearly 30 years running commenced on Friday evening.
Each year, the city of Helper proudly hosts a myriad of events that celebrate the holiday season. Helper’s Christmas Craft Fair, Electric Light Parade and Breakfast with Santa are just a few of the events that accompany the Lights on Ceremony.
Kicking off the ceremony in front of The Toy Store & More, festivities chairman Mark Montoya along with Brenda Deeter welcomed Mayor Ed Chavez and the rest of the crowd. Montoya also thanked Mayor Elect Lenise Peterman and council members Malarie Matsuda and Thomas Williams for attending as well as the Sally Mauro Singers.
The opening prayer was said by David Safford. The singers then led the attendees up Helper’s Main Street, singing classic Christmas songs such as “Oh Christmas Tree” along the way. The park on Helper’s Main Street was the destination where Mayor Chavez read a short statement to those in attendance regarding the upcoming events for the holidays.
Montoya remarked that this is his 19th year as chair. He and Deeter are always welcoming volunteers to assist and encourage those who wish to help to contact Deeter. Montoya then surprised the crowd by announcing Jack Ori as this year’s Electric Light Parade Grand Marshall. This a family affair for Ori, whose mother was the grand marshall for the second annual parade.
The singers then gathered on stage for a final song, afterward being informed by Mayor Chavez that the city of Helper is hosting a pizza party to thank them. After a ten-second countdown and a brief lapse, the lights were turned on full volume and Helper’s Main Street shined once again.
Santa Claus was also spotted by onlookers traveling down Main Street. The next event for Utah’s Christmas Town will be the chili dinner and light parade that will take place on Dec. 1 and 2.
