Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Tree Lighting Event Planning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
West Bend tree-lighting set for Nov. 6; Bend Theatre to host ticketed film after event
Summary
The BID and partners scheduled the West Bend tree-lighting for Nov. 6, with activities starting at 5:30 p.m., the tree lighting at 6:30 p.m., guest appearances including cast members from A Christmas Story, and a ticketed film screening at the Bend Theatre to offset performer costs.
Organizers confirmed that the West Bend tree-lighting ceremony is set for Nov. 6, with festivities beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the official lighting at 6:30 p.m. The event is a coordination between the West Bend Business Improvement District, the Downtown West Bend Association, the Bend Theatre and other downtown partners.
Kelly, an event organizer, told the board the Bend Theatre booked actors who played the bullies in the movie A Christmas Story to appear at the event; the theatre also plans a ticketed screening of the film afterward to help cover talent costs. In prior years the post-event movie was free, but this year the Bend Theatre chose a ticketed model to recoup expenses.
Kelly said organizers are booking musical acts, Santa, and other attractions, and that communications and publicity will ramp up in the coming weeks. The Downtown Association will serve hot chocolate and cider; the Bend Theatre will offer concessions for sale.
Decorations and testing will begin the week before the event: crews will start installing decorations Oct. 30–31 with additional testing and contingency days set for Nov. 3–4 to address potential weather or electrical malfunctions. Organizers said the early installation schedule is intended to ensure the display is complete and fully tested before the event rather than risking partial installations on the day of the ceremony.
Kelly said the event traditionally includes a child selected through the school district to participate in the lighting and that Mayor Angert and BID President Peggy are scheduled to give remarks before the tree is lit. The Bend Theatre is coordinating a meet-and-greet and post-screening activity with the visiting actors.
Organizers asked board members to provide any event requests in the next weeks and said promotional details will be posted on partner websites as plans solidify.
