Council member Leanda Badenegro welcomed the crowd and introduced the Glendale Glitters kickoff, urging attendees to visit downtown businesses and enjoy the family-oriented event. "This is a really, really fun event, the Glendale Glitters kickoff," she said, asking residents to come back to downtown restaurants and stores.

Mayor Jerry Wires said the holiday display marks the 30th year of Glendale Glitters and previewed improvements tied to a forthcoming amphitheater at City Hall, which he said will be open next year. He told the crowd the city and council were trying to make each year "a little bit better, a little bit more special." According to the mayor, the new amphitheater will make next year's celebration "unbelievable."

Wires asked attendees to help lead a countdown from 10; he said his grandsons, Connor and Clayton, would flip the switch to light the display when the crowd reached one. The crowd counted down together, and the lighting sequence was activated as planned.

The kickoff consisted of short welcoming remarks and the ceremonial lighting; there were no formal votes or policy actions during the remarks. Council member Badenegro encouraged continued patronage of downtown businesses as the event continues through the evening.