“The Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund is a staple tradition in Kansas City that highlights the generosity of our city and our willingness to help the neediest among us,” Mayor Sly James said today.
James and Reid teamed up at the Annual Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on Friday at Crown Center, 2401 Grand Blvd.
The 100-foot tall Mayor’s Christmas Tree is a Douglas Fir from the private forests of Cascade Timber Consulting in Oregon. It is festooned with 6,000 white lights to complement 35,000 additional lights in the surrounding area, along with 1,200 red, gold and silver ornaments.
The Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund supports thousands of low-income seniors, disabled individuals and children across Kansas City with gift cards and Christmas gifts that are distributed at community center holiday parties hosted by the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department.
Donations to the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund are accepted at kcmayor.org/ChristmasTree. In addition, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the limited edition holiday t-shirt, in collaboration with Charlie Hustle Shop, benefit the fund. The holiday t-shirt is available for $40.00 on the Charlie Hustle Shop website.
The Mayor’s Christmas Tree is a tradition begun in the 19th century by Mayor George Shelley. Mayor Thomas Crittenton established the first official Kansas City Christmas tree in 1908. The Mayor’s Christmas Tree has been erected at Crown Center since 1973.
The lighting event on Friday also included performances from the cast of Musical Theater Heritage, “A Spectacular Christmas Show.” Master of Ceremonies is Teresa from The Rocket & Teresa Show on Mix 93.
