CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Chicago’s official Christmas tree was lit Thursday night - in a virtual sense.
There was no one actually rockin’ around the Christmas tree, and the lighting was done in a new old-fashioned way.
The traditional lighting was videotaped in advance with no one actually around.
Near the beginning of the video: the Mayor and First Lady.
“We are extremely excited to be able to continue our city’s beloved winter traditions in a safe and healthy way," Mayor Lightfoot said.
And then you hear from Catherine Townsend, the Morgan Park woman who donated the tree to the city.
“When I get to see my tree - Catherine Townsend’s tree - down in Millennium Park, I hope I won’t explode inside because I have such a fabulous, such a wonderful feeling…”
And then the grand finale.
“Let’s light the tree!”
“5-4-3-2-1… Happy Holidays!”
Related
The lighting of Chicago’s 107th annual Christmas tree came near the end of a 27-minute video - with about 1,400 people watching the premier on YouTube and a few hundred more on Facebook.
“With 65,000 lights and over 25,000 feet of wire, this year’s 45-foot blue spruce is sure to light up Millennium Park, Magnificent Mile, and place a smile on the faces of Chicago citizens this holiday season.”
The Chicago Children’s Choir sang - behind masks.
The tree will stay lit up between now and January 7.