Ain't No Power...

Columbia City's annual tree lighting moved a block north this year. (You may recall that the lights in the old tree were destroyed the day its neighbor was chopped down, and even though heroic neighbors saved the Christmas Tree itself, there was no way the Lighting could happen there this year.)

So last night we gathered at Ferdinand Street outside the flower shop, where the CCBA and the Lions Club had conspired to create an arboreal LED arrangement above the awning. The crowd assembled on all four corners of the intersection as Kathleen's Columbia City Community Choir got us all in the mood with some caroling.




Theo and Sam showed up with their ride pimped out for the occasion -- but I think their big blue wide-open eyes might have been the most luminous part of the package. Merry Christmas, babies!

The street wasn't officially closed off for the party, but some of us occupied it anyway.


Then came the Big Moment. Santa led us in my favorite Christmas countdown ever, calling upon an ineffable, unstoppable, indefatigable force... the magical, renewable energy that can confront obstacles, setbacks, and outright disasters -- and rise again, triumphant... that radiant spirit Columbia City citizens possess in spades and wield with pride... the Power of the People.





Thanks to everyone who made this event possible!