SPRINGFIELD, Mo.-- There will be more lights than ever before on the 33-foot Norway Spruce tree in Jordan Valley Park and fireworks at nearby Hammons Field will light up the evening sky during the kick-off ceremony for the Festival of Lights, Saturday, Nov. 19.
The Festival of Lights is a six-week celebration featuring a number of no or low-cost activities for people to enjoy during the holiday season along with a variety of music and theater performances in the spirit of the season.
The kick-off events are open to the public at Mediacom Ice Park, Jordan Valley Park and culminating with the Cardinals Christmas and Fireworks at Hammons Field Saturday evening.
Saturday’s schedule is:
• 4-5 p.m.: Kids registration at the park. Students in Springfield Public Schools first- and second-grade classes can register to help their class win prizes donated by Jordan Valley area businesses. The schools and classes with the highest percentage of participation can win tickets to Springfield Cardinals games, Missouri State University hockey games, and more.
• 5:15 p.m.: Tree-Lighting Ceremony at the plaza just east of Mediacom Ice Park. Mayor Pro-Tem Bob Stephens will kick off the season with a “lighting surprise.” 92.9 Star FM personality Bud Reiser will emcee the ceremony.
• Immediately following the ceremony, the Kids Parade will lead the crowd to Hammons Field where the Springfield Cardinals will open the holiday season with Santa Claus’ arrival from the kick-off events, music, refreshments, shopping at the Team Store and more plus a fireworks display which will begin between
