Residents turnout for Grand Rapids’ Boston Square neighborhood’s first Christmas Tree Lighting event

Eight Boston Square area organizations and businesses hosted a free, family-friendly Christmas tree lighting party at the community parklet, 1505 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, on Saturday, Dec. 4. Pictured is Santa Claus holding up Snookie for a photo during the event that kicked off at 4:30. (Annie Barker | MLive.com)

Members of Xpressions of Praise CDPA Jr. Company perform during the Boston Square tree lighting in Grand Rapids, MI on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021. (Annie Barker | MLive.com)

People line up for food during the Boston Square tree lighting event at a community parklet in Grand Rapids, MI on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021. (Annie Barker | MLive.com)

Devynne Richardson, 4, left, plays with Kahari Richardson, 1, right, during the Boston Square tree lighting at a community parklet in Grand Rapids, MI on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021. (Annie Barker | MLive.com)

People receive food during the Boston Square neighborhood tree lighting at a community parklet in Grand Rapids, MI on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021. (Annie Barker | MLive.com)

Hannah Nieboer center, holds her child Brielle, 3, for a photo with Mr. and Mrs. Claus during the Boston Square tree lighting at a community parklet in Grand Rapids, MI on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021. (Annie Barker | MLive.com)

Popcorn snacks at the Boston Square Community tree lighting at the Boston Square Community Parklet in Grand Rapids, MI on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021. (Annie Barker | MLive.com)

Margaret Jager, left, passes out hot chocolate during the Boston Square Community tree lighting at the Boston Square Community Parklet in Grand Rapids, MI on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021. (Annie Barker | MLive.com)

Children play during the Boston Square Community tree lighting at the Boston Square Community Parklet in Grand Rapids, MI on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021. (Annie Barker | MLive.com)

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GRAND RAPIDS, MI-- With Christmas approaching, the Boston Square neighborhood put a spin on the holiday tradition of lighting trees.

Taking inspiration from the annual Grand Rapids downtown tree lighting, eight area organizations and businesses came together to host an event that reflected the diverse cultures found within the Boston Square area.

Related: Grand Rapids neighborhood hosting community tree lighting ceremony

The event kicked off at 4:30 p.m. at the Boston Square community parklet at 1505 Kalamazoo Ave. SE. and the 20-foot Christmas tree was lit around 6 p.m. Attendees enjoyed free food and entertainment including games, music, and pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

Bob Vander Lugt, owner of Modern Hardware spoke before the tree lighting.

“This night is really special to see what our neighborhood is about and all the different kinds of people who are a part of it,” Vander Lugt said.

Organizers hope the event will become an annual tradition. The organizations involved in hosting the event included:

  • Boston Square Neighborhood Association
  • Oakdale Neighbors
  • New Dimensions Victory Center Church
  • Fuller Avenue Christian Reformed Church
  • Oakdale Park Christian Reformed Church
  • Boston Square Christian Reformed Church
  • Modern Hardware
  • Amplify GR

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