11-27-15

With the rebuilding of the Edgewater Hotel came new traditions for people to celebrate the seasons here. In 2014 the Edgewater re-opened after an extensive 2-year expansion and remodeling.   This year we were able to attend their 2nd Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and festivities beforehand.  No ice skating since we had two days of warm rain that week and the ice all melted. Here is that day’s schedule.

Upon our arrival just before 5:00 PM we saw the conclusion of the mini-concert on the winding staircase. Let’s listen in!

Part 2 of the concert took place in the adjoining Ballroom, made to look like Santa’s Village. There were now hand bells joining the chorus. They played a lot of great music for 1/2 hour.

Carol of the Bells

The concert was fantastic! It was now time to head outside to await Santa and Mrs. Claus to arrive and light the trees outside.  It was cold and windy that night.  The outside of the hotel was festive with lighted garlands and LIGHTED ice sculptures to make it a wonderland!

The crowd has swelled to fill the Plaza, Christmas music fills the air. The three trees sit dark, waiting for Santa and Mrs. Claus to arrive.

We hear jingle bells, they have arrived in a horse and carriage! They were moving fast toward the trees, posing with some of the children along the way.

The moment we anticipated all day was here, lets watch!

NOW we can begin the Christmas Season in earnest.  Just as swiftly, the Clauses departed in their carriage and waved goodbye to the crowd. No doubt they were needed to light more trees elsewhere.

At this point bagpipers came in to close out the ceremony. The crowd was dispersing at this point, it was cold!  We concluded out visit with dinner at their Boathouse restaurant, fish fry basket was delicious!

Ken Wheaton and Mike McCloskey were playing some great music while we ate dinner. We heard Ken before, especially last year at Spring Green’s Beatlefest.

It was a wonderful evening here, we hope to come back again for their 3rd tree lighting in 2016!