Celebrate Great Falls Foundation announced on Sunday, Dec. 1, that – with the mud, cold temperatures and strong possibility of active rain – they had to cancel Sunday evening’s Celebration of Lights.

This was the first cancellation in more than 25 years of one of the favorite community events. Great Falls has lit a village Christmas Tree every year since 1992, and this year was no exception. Although other activities were cancelled due to anticipated rain, the newly planted tree was lit by Steve Borcherding, Bob Moore, Debbie Moore Chason and Mike Kearney on Sunday, Dec 1.

The current tree is the third tree to serve as the community Christmas tree since the tradition was started by the Moore family for all to enjoy. It was replaced last week by Steve Borcherding and his company, SAB Lawn & Landscaping.

The tree lighting still took place at 5:30 p.m. Sunday and will remain lit until the end of December.

The Foundation wishes to express gratitude to all their volunteers and all sponsors who help Celebration of Lights to happen, and especially to Steve Borcherding and SAB Lawn & Landscaping for finding, transporting, planting and lighting a new tree.