5b Tree Lighting CeremonyCITYOF
CHANHASSEN
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
Todd Hoffman, Park and Recreation Director
Dawn Beitel, Interim Recreation Supervisor '~
DATE:
December 7, 1998
SUB J:
Tree Lighting Evaluation
This years Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony took place on Saturday, December 5,
from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. The tree xvas officially turned on by Mayor Mancino at
6:00 p.m. It is estimated that we had 100-125 people attend the event, despite the
drizzly, cool weather.
Refreshments - Nan~y Lapinski from the Chamber Retail Committee was
responsible for this area and was able to obtain donations of food and drink from
local companies (Pillsbury, Caribou Coffee, Festival Foods, and cups from
AmericInn). All refreshments were served by volunteers in the Senior Center
which provided a warm area for people to congregate indoors. Diane Prieditis
played Christmas music on the piano in the Senior Center, and Mark Taintor sang
along, creating a festive atmosphere.
Bonfire - The parks department set up a wonderful bonfire area which was heavily
used throughout the evening. Chad Junker, High School Choir Director and about
8 of his students arrive at 5:45 p.m. to sing/lead caroling around the bonfire. Song
sheets were handed out, but because it was so dark, they weren't really necessary.
Hayrides - Hayrides were provided by Ken Theis and his Belgium horses and this
was a new activity this year. Originally hired to do sleigh rides, we had to switch
to plan B, which was a wagonride, decorated with pine boughs, garland, jingle
bells and lights. This activity was a big hit and I would recommend doing it again
next year.
Santa - Brian Beniek was the Santa for hire again this year and as expected did a
wonderful job. His method of arrival to the tree lighting was via horse drawn
wagon. Upon arrival he greeted people, helped with the countdown to turn on the
tree lights, led a chorus of"We Wish You a Merry Christmas," and then mingled
with the crowd handing out candy canes and talking to children.
Todd Hoffman, Park and Recreation Director
December 7, 1998
Page 2
Ornament Sales/Food Drive - Linda Walton from the Chamber Retail Committee
helped with some of the publicity of the event and also sold historical ornaments,
posters, and Chanhassen history books the night of the event. Linda set up the
food drive activity and solicited gift certificates to give away in a drawing.
Storytimes - Another new event, Kathy Perschmann from the Chanhassen Library
opened up the doors between the Senior Center and the Library and read several
Christmas stories during the evening. People floated in and out and I think this
event would be a nice one to do again next year, as it is appealing to those with
younger children.
Cost to run event:
Target/Candy Canes $ 18.74
Santa 55.00
Hayride 250.00
Advertising 295.00
$618.74
Overall, this event was successful. I had many positive comments and people
really seemed to enjoy themselves. I would recommend moving the official
lighting of the tree up to 5:30 p.m., but keeping everything else the same. Also,
weather permitting, it would be fun to try the snowman building contest idea. I
would also add that I had several volunteers to help out with the various activities
which was a great help.
g:\park\dawn\98treelightingeval.doc
~,.oih us for ~har~hasssrts ~rmual ....
Sa+urda~, Pccemben 5, 5:00 p.m.
6i+~ CCh+er Common8 (juM ~ou+h o¢ 6i+~ Hall)
Don'+ miss +his annual
Chanhassen celcbra+ion!
This car's bi er and
bc++cr even+ will be held on
December 5 ~+ 5 p.m. in 6%
CCh+CC Common~ (dircc+l~
~ou+h o~ Ch~nh~cn
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~11o~i% u~ +o cxp~nd oue
~c+ivi+ic~ +o includ~ ~lciqh
rid~, ~ ~no~m~n buildin~
con+c~+, bonfire, refresh-
men%, c~noli%, ~nd o~
course, ~ ~eci~l vi~i+ ~rom
8an+~ Clau~!
Snocuman Buildinfi Con+eM!
Rs a par+ o? our com-muni+H +tee
ligh+in~ ccremonb~ on December 5,
uoc're havin a ~nouoman buildin
con+eM. There u0ill be ~roup,
or individual ca-kec_)orie& PJch up
en+r~ ?orm a+ dif~ Hall. or call an
+ime be?ore Friday, December fl +o
re~iMer (uoea+her/~nou~ permi++in~).
flu~ard~ ~oill bc ~ivcn +o all u0ho
F~ar+icipa+e.
Thi~ even~ i~ F~KK!
~pon~o~ed bp,:
C[~Cv of Chanha~en and
Chanha~en Chambe~ of Comme~ce