Tree lighting ceremony back on

The traditional tree lighting ceremony at Wheeler Park is back on — but with a difference.

After receiving numerous messages concerning the cancellation, Interim City Manager Charlie Cassens announced Thursday afternoon the tree lighting ceremony will take place, but is rescheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 10, instead of Dec. 6.

The ceremony portion of the tree lighting was canceled because of budget cuts, city officials said Wednesday.

The largest expense in conducting the ceremony in the past was because it was held on Sunday and much of the cost was overtime pay for city workers to close the streets, transport, set up and take down the Showmobile, etc., Cassens wrote in an e-mail. These extra expenses are avoided by holding the event on a weekday.

The ceremony will still involve lighting the official City Christmas Tree in Wheeler Park, and Parks & Recreation Department staff is working on other activities to accompany the traditional lighting ceremony, Cassens said.