As Downtown Detroit prepares for its 21st annual Christmas tree lighting event today, Michigan’s winter spirit will be in full force. The event will take place at Detroit’s Campus Martius Park and will feature a 66-foot Norway spruce planted in Michigan that will be illuminated by 25,000 LED lights, according to the Detroit Free Press. Up to 50,000 people are expected to flock to the city’s center for the event, which promises a joyous explosion of activities, including food trucks, live music, and ice skating performances.
Visitors may anticipate a plethora of performances and freebies in addition to the visual extravaganza. Detroit’s Queen of the Blues Thornetta Davis, the Next Generation Funk Brothers, and award-winning Canadian-American figure skater Keegan Messing will all perform at the free tree lighting, according to the Detroit Free Press. While enjoying spiked holiday beverages or non-alcoholic drinks from three bar locations, foodies may enjoy local food trucks and Chick-fil-A giveaways.
The presence of over 100 cops from various law enforcement organizations highlights how important safety is at such a massive public event. “There is a shortage of personnel in all law enforcement agencies. Sheriff Raphael Washington told CBS News Detroit, “It’s important that we come together as one band.” The city’s dedication to providing a safe and secure environment for all participants will be further demonstrated by the use of metal detectors to ensure that the event is a gun-free zone.
According to Audacy, road closures are already in place, so commuters and tourists are urged to make plans appropriately. This includes major downtown thoroughfares including parts of Woodward Avenue and Michigan Avenue. As Interim Police Chief Todd Bettison outlined his department’s goal for a friendly and controlled environment, families with children should take note of the strengthened curfew for minors, which requires supervision for those 15 and under after 8 p.m. and for those 16 and 17 years old beginning at 11 p.m.
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