Lakewood Park the last year lighting up the park.
Sinagra Park the first year.
Detroit done up.
Some of us old timers remember when Suzanne Meltelko and others started lighting up Lakewood Park. One year they all disappeared by one strand and were moved to Sinagra Park. Where a couple hundred people stood around watching an ice carver, at next to the food truck err single hot chocolate stand. If I remember correctly the Warrens from Erie Design tried to leave the group in some carols, and we went wandering off to different places. I would like to say it was still just "Holiday Lighting" at the time and no one would have ever thought it would grow, and grow and grow into this! What a party!
In 2007 it was moved to Belle and Detroit and we would light up the green space in front of Lakewood Hospital, and became "Light Up Lakewood."
The St. Ed's Trash Talkers in 2007.
Santa packed the Lakewood Public Library...
... arriving in a Euclid Beach Rocket Car!
And the event was becoming bigger and bigger and engraving itself into Lakewood's History of fun!
Fast forward to 2015...
The event is not one of the larger events in town, right up there with Arts Festival, 4th of July Parade, Car Kulture Show.
It has another massive positive impact on Lakewood, and Lakewood businesses.
And becomes a starting point for many Lakewood families. (photo by Alex Belisle)
Everyone loves Christmas and the holidays and the good vibes fill the air. (photo by Alex Belisle)
(photo by Alex Belisle)
The Franklin Blvd Gang.
The Russell clan.
The Hiltys with Sally Pardee, she had never been to the parade, fun for everyone!
Then there is the parade!
LakewoodAlive and event sponsors.
Everyone;s favorite marching band, Lakewood High School Marching Band.
Buddy the Elf
Dance Lakewood
Star of the Parade "Scarlet!" rides with mom Theresa while dad, owner of Ride On Cleveland Pedi-Cabs, gives them s smooth safe ride.
Grant School
Chewbaca!
The crew from LFDEngine 3 worked hard preparing Santa's Ride!! Captain Dean, FF Shirripa. FF Fairbanks, FF Birth with Santa and Elf
Then everyone walked and talked again!
(photo by Alex Belisle)
(photo by Alex Belisle)
(photo by Alex Belisle)
Then it was time for fireworks!!!
http://media.lakewoodobserver.com/image ... 235005.jpg
As the smoke slowly drifted away, everyone went back to walking, talking, singing, dancing, drinking of loving life in Lakewood.
Thank you to LakewoodAlive, and all of your volunteers and sponsors.
Ian Andrews, director of LakewoodAlive has become a rock star in Lakewood and in the world of Community Development, because of his band, Ken, Alisson, Lisa, everyone, thank you.
A special thank you to David Stein and Plantation Homes, for all of the red ribbons, and sponsoring the Scholarships.
You can see all 82 of Alex Belisle wonderful photos at:
http://www.lakewoodobserver.com/photobl ... ewood-2015
You can see all of my images at:
http://www.lakewoodobserver.com/photobl ... ewood-2015
Have a happy and safe Christmas and Holiday season. Check in on others less fortunate than you, and keep pets warm.
peace/love to all