‘You can feel the warmth and happiness.’ Downtown Lee’s Summit kicks off holidays

Unite with friends and family for a festival of lights, laughs and merrymaking to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season.

The annual Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19 in downtown Lee’s Summit. This year’s theme is “Rockin’ Around Downtown,” and the event includes choir performances, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, live window displays, a holiday light show and shopping.

Lee’s Summit Mayor Bill Baird is flipping the holiday light switch for the fourth year in a row. Children can mingle with mascots such as elves, reindeer and snowmen, he said.

“It’s a feel-good moment,” Baird said. “You can feel the warmth and the happiness as people wait for the flip of the switch. Everyone’s happy and united, and it’s wonderful to come together as a community to celebrate the holiday season.”

The event also benefits small businesses, as it draws customers and revenue to the downtown area, Baird said. About 10 small businesses will showcase live window displays, complete with lights and costumes. Shara Derks, owner of Embers Candle Bar, will display features scenes from “The Grinch.” She and her sister will dress up and enthusiastically wave at customers and passersby, she said.

“Live window displays are a great way for people to participate in the holiday fun,” Derks said. “People are looking for fun and connection, and seem to be more interested in shopping locally as opposed to national brands. We’re just happy we can engage, provide a service and give customers a smile and a laugh to kick off the season.”

Bob and Linda Netterville, a crowd favorite for 28 years, play Santa and Mrs. Claus.

“This is the only gig that we have, and we do it out of love,” Linda said. “We do this because we believe in Downtown Main Street, and the connections we’ve made with children and families over the years. We even have second generation kids sitting on our laps,” Linda said.

Bob and Linda have been part of Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street since 1993, Bob said. They value volunteering because it allows them to put smiles on people’s faces and give back to the community, they said.

“They told us we could do it forever, so we’re holding them to it,” Bob said.

Visit downtownls.org for more information.