Community Corner

Holiday Lights Coming to Big Beaver Corridor, City Hall

A new program by the Troy Kiwanis Foundation will allow the trees on Big Beaver Road to be lit up for the first time.

A new program and a familiar favorite will help get Troy residents in the holiday spirit this winter.

The Troy Kiwanis Foundation announced this week the beginning of a special project, called Troy Lights of Hope, which is designed to allow the big evergreen trees that line the center median of Big Beaver Road, from Coolidge Highway to Rochester Road, to be lit up for the season.

“The overall effect of this effort will be to light up downtown for the holidays, showcasing and enhancing the beauty of living and working in Troy,” Barbara Knight, Troy Kiwanis member and Co-Chair of Troy Lights of Hope, said in a release issued Monday.

“This is a community wide, grass roots effort,” explained Knight. “Our goal for the first year is to enlist sponsors from the Troy business community to light 50 trees. There are some 200 big evergreens in the center of Big Beaver Road and we are looking forward to expanding the program every year.”

Installation of the lights begins in November. At the same time, Troy City Hall is preparing for the arrival of Santa Claus next month. Both the evergreens on Big Beaver and the City of Troy Christmas tree will be turned on at special ceremonies on Wednesday, Dec. 4.

“Gathering around the beautiful Christmas tree has become a tradition that families look forward to each year,” city community affairs director Cindy Stewart said in a separate release issued Monday. “It’s a great opportunity to get in the holiday spirit.”

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The festivities get underway with caroling, led by the Athens High School and Smith Middle School choirs, under the direction of Michele Marszalkowski. Mayor Dane Slater will welcome Santa as he makes his scheduled entrance with the Troy High Colt Drumline to light the 28’ Christmas tree.

The public is invited to both events, while participants are asked to dress for the weather.

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Though the tree lighting program is not a fundraiser, the Kiwanis Foundation is offering an additional fund raising element to their efforts for the holidays. The same soft white, LED lights used for the trees are available for purchase in quantities to businesses and organizations.

Proceeds from the sale of light sets at $15 per set will benefit the community through scholarships to Troy students and support of the Troy Boys and Girls Clubs as well as numerous other charities.

“The idea of really lighting up Troy for the holidays is very exciting. We believe it is not only  be a great way celebrate the season of hope,  but will help tell the story that Troy is a great place to succeed in business and a wonderful place to raise a family,” said Knight.

To sponsor a tree, purchase additional lights for your property or just to learn more about the project, visit troylightsofhope.com.


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