A TREE WHOSE TIME HAS PASSED
For decades the lighting of a giant christmas tree in the vicinity of City Hall was an annual event people looked forward to. But times have changed and the Edmonton Downtown Business Association doesn’t think it makes sense for them to pay for it anymore as it doesn't have any direct value or impact to businesses” in the core.
This year the focus will be a "Light Up" festival at Rice Howard Way featuring music, snacks, lantern-making, art installations, street performers, an indoor Christmas market and at least three decorated trees. It is hoped the festival will attract people to see the whole area lit up, and just hopefully change people’s perceptions of what Downtown looks and feels like these days.