Avon Lights Up the Season

Avon’s annual Tree Lighting ceremony was very special for Avon Golden Ticket Winner Audrey Heath. She was joined with Mayor Bryan Jensen, Santa and Clint Gault of the French Creek Foundation as she flipped the switch to the city’s holiday light display.

The French Creek Foundation hosted the 2022 Avon Tree Lighting Festival on the afternoon of Saturday, Dec. 3.

The festival found a new home this year. Usually held at Olde Avon Village, the festival took place this year at the Avon Aquatic Facility at Detroit Road and the Post Office. The change of venue was made to welcome a larger crowd than previous years.

Activities took place all through the day, leading up to the lighting of the 20-foot tree, donated by 611 Christmas Trees in Avon, at 5:15 p.m.

The switch to the tree lights was thrown by Avon East student Audrey Heath, who won the “Golden Ticket” contest staged by the Foundation. Children were invited to send letters to Santa prior to the event for the honor, which included a ride with Santa via horse-drawn carriage in a parade through the park.

Santa was also on hand to meet with special needs children the afternoon of the event, which was also highlighted by pony rides, reindeer petting area, complimentary pizza and hot chocolate within the Aquatic Center Pavilion.

Audrey Heath rides with Santa

Also taking place during the day was the viewing and judging of the city gingerbread house contest.

The festival was free to attend, and was supported by over 30 local businesses who participated as sponsors.

The 20-foot Christmas tree was donated by Steve Sylvester of 611 Christmas Trees in Avon.

Presenting sponsors were Health Wealth LLC and the City of Avon. Platinum sponsors were KMU Trucking, Wickens Herzer Panza, Master Pizza and Lowe’s.