Tree-lighting events add some sparkle

In 1880, Thomas Edison created the first strand of electric lights.

Two years later, his protégé, Edward Johnson, was the first-ever to trim a Christmas tree with them, a far safer practice than candles.

Today, we take strings of lights and their origin for granted, but we are still enchanted when the lights on the tree are turned on for the first time.

Residents in Greendale, Franklin, Hales Corner, and Oak Creek will have a chance to participate in that wonder when their community holds its annual tree-lighting ceremony.

The festivities begin in Greendale at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Village Center, 6500 Northway. That's when the Greendale High School Choir will lead a community sing-along followed by the tree-lighting countdown by Village President John Hermes. Santa Claus will visit, with treats for children, naughty or nice.

Hales Corners Village President Bob Ruesch will flip the switch and light the community tree at 6 p.m. Dec. 3 in the parking lot of the library, 5885 S. 116th St. The Whitnall Middle School Band will perform at 6:30 p.m., and Santa will arrive by fire truck. The celebration will then move inside the library for homemade holiday cookies, visits with Santa and the reading of holiday classics by librarian Miss Beth.

Franklin's tree lighting will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 4 at the library, 9151 W. Loomis Road. The ceremony will feature caroling and a visit by Santa. Refreshments will be served, and organizers are requesting that those attending bring in a nonperishable food item for the Franklin Food Pantry.

In Oak Creek, the tree lighting will take place at 5 p.m. Dec. 4 at City Hall, 8640 S. Howell Ave., where Santa will hand out small gifts to children. Then, those attending will walk over to the Community Center, 8580 S. Howell Ave., for cookies and milk and a coloring contest for children. Community Center Director of Services Tina Koenig said those attending are asked to bring a nonperishable food item for the Salvation Army Food Pantry.