After Thanksgiving Day dinner, its time to gather to watch the holiday lights get turned on at Munn Park’s first tree lighting.
The Lakeland Downtown Development Authority invites others to join them for the inaugural tree lighting at 6 p.m. Nov. 27 in Munn Park.
“It’s a historic moment. We’ve never had a Christmas tree in the center of Munn Park. We’re exciting to provide for the community and hope it provides this holiday season,” said Julie Townsend, the LDDA’s executive director.
The LDDA paid for a 34-foot tree to be erected at the center of Munn Park, crowned by a silvery-white star with the city’s permission. It is now the center of the city’s extensive Christmas light display featuring candy canes, toy trains, a jack-in-the-box and lit arches that seemingly lead to the tree.
The tree in Munn Park is intentionally designed to be different from the one near Fire Station 1 off Lake Mirror’s Frances Langford Promenade. It has white lights and does not play music.
Townsend said she became aware of Lakeland Resident Bernnie Brandt started a Change.org petition in November 2023 calling for Lakeland officials to erect a holiday tree in the center of Munn Park.
“Munn Park is at the heart of our city and serves as a gathering place for many community events. Munn Park is an integral part of Lakeland’s identity, but lacks a holiday tree during the winter holiday season,” read the Change.org petition. “The addition of a holiday tree would not only enhance the park’s visual appeal but would also foster communal spirit.”
It was too late for a tree as Bob Donahay, Lakeland’s director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts, said the city’s budget for holiday decorations was already stretched thin. When the LDDA inquired about sponsoring a tree this Holiday season, Donahay said he was more than happy to provide the agency with a contact to the city’s vendor.
“They asked, “If we paid for it, would you mind?'” Donahay said. “Absolutely not, it adds to the Christmas spirit.”
The city’s holiday light display in Munn Park and musical tree by Fire Station 1 are also traditionally turned on Thanksgiving Day night often to a small gathered crowd of residents waiting to celebrate the start of the holiday season.
The LDDA will also be sponsoring public restroom trailer trailer will be monitored by an attendant and available from 5 to 9 pm. Sunday through Thursdays, and 5 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, according to Townsend.
Some downtown merchants are planning to be open Thanksgiving night. Tennessee Jane and Cowhide and Whiskey, both on Kentucky Avenue, though opposite sides of Munn Park, are planning a “Midnight Madness” pre-Black Friday event.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Watch the lighting of Lakeland’s Munn Park tree on Thanksgiving night
Reporting by Sara-Megan Walsh, Lakeland Ledger / The Ledger
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