Last year, the weather was so cold and windy, Santa had to move into a warmer building to greet children.

This year’s Christmas tree lighting in downtown WaKeeney, the weather was so mild, Santa and Mrs. Claus were able to drive to WaKeeney on their motorcycle, pulling a trailer full of gifts, rather than a sleigh.

WaKeeney Travel and Tourism Director Cathy Albert has been involved with the town’s holiday kick-off  since the early 1970s.  She says not a lot has changed in the 62-year tradition, started by two local businessmen in 1950.

“I found a 1956 newspaper article where they said ‘We’ve reached perfection. We’re not going to change a thing.’ And it hasn’t changed except for perimeter lighting on the downtown buildings we added in the 1990s, ” Albert said.

The 35 -foot Christmas tree of fresh pine greenery  is topped with four 5-foot ivory stars, and adorned with more than 3,000 twinkling lights.  It stands in the middle of the intersection of Main Street and Russell Avenue.

The WaKeeney holiday display remains lit through New Year’s day and is free to the public.

See the story tonight on Eagle Local News, Eagle Community TV Channel 14.