Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
It’s impossible to miss the new Christmas tree in downtown Loogootee. The 40-foot tannenbaum towers over downtown and has been the focal point of Christmas activities in Loogootee.
The tree lighting Dec. 1 kicked off a month of weekend activities in the Martin County city. Other activities included the Christmas parade, Christmas stroll and coming up Dec. 20 will be free ice skating on a temporary rink near the tree.
Mayor Brian Ader said he wanted to bring more Christmas activities to downtown Loogootee and saw the tree as a great opportunity.
“We had a goal of having something every weekend and we’ve hit three weekends,” Ader said. “We had a great turnout for the tree lighting, there were lots of vendors and they were very happy with the turnout.”
Initially, the tree purchase was met with some skepticism, but Ader said once the tree was up and lighted, many of the skeptics now see the tree as a positive.
“We were elected to make changes and do things for the community,” Ader said. “We’re trying to make our city very welcoming. To do that, you have to offer events and things that improve the quality of life and that’s what we’re doing.”
Shana Ramsey, owner of Hometown Flowers and Gifts in downtown Loogootee, said the tree has been a welcome addition.
“The tree has brought a lot of people to the downtown area,” she said.
From Dec. 20-22, an ice rink will be set up downtown near the tree. Ader said the activity is free, including skate rental. Several vendors will be set up in the area.