VIDEO: In the spirit of Christmas

Despite spring-like temperatures earlier in the week and the lack of snowfall, the biting cold was good enough for some Saturday night on the Independence Square to conjure feelings of the upcoming Christmas season.

“I’m ready, baby,” exclaimed an excited Bryant Dorland of Independence, seconds after Independence Mayor Don Reimal flipped the switch at the city’s annual Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. “I’m ready. Bring it on.”

Families hovered together throughout the day to participate in activities associated with the ceremony, including the arrival of Santa Claus in a horse drawn sleigh, sleigh rides around the Square, dancing entertainment provided by Missouri Town Dancers and singing entertainment brought forth by the choirs of both Van Horn High School and Bryant Elementary School. Bryant’s yearly participation has almost become an automatic requirement.

“They did a really good job,” Sarah Smith said of the Bryant Bobcat Choir. “They did a lot of the old favorites.”

In a bit of a twist from years past, Reimal lit two trees to signify the beginning of the holiday season.

“What a beautiful evening to light our trees,” Reimal said amid the frosty chill, adding “Christmas is about bringing families together.”

Santa also assisted in the Square Merchants Association’s “Coins for the Courthouse” fundraising efforts to help restore the historic Jackson County Courthouse that housed the ceremony, while WDAF-TV’s weatherman Joe Lauria broadcast live during the countdown to the lighting.

Dick Wilson emceed the event, which he said he has done “year after year.” Every year, Wilson said, the event evokes the holiday spirit within the community.

“I’m really happy,” Wilson said. “I like the twin trees we have this year and the lights around the Square, that’s new too. The Courthouse is lit up. The Square just gets  better every year.”