Small Town Saturday Night

Saturday night we got to be part of an annual tradition started in 1936 here in the town of Castle Rock, CO. It is the annual Holiday Starlighting.
The town is named for a rock formation that resembles a castle and on top of that they place a star. You can just make out the star at the edge on the ridge.

This is our Castle Rock.

 

 

 They blocked off downtown and there were lots of booths from various local business and chruches. They had a nativity scene with real animals and even a camel. There were carriage rides and hay rides. The downtown fire station was selling chili, the line for that was way too long. We brought the double stroller and had a great time people watching.

Three kids in a stroller built for two. This is how we roll.

Crazy people.

Thre was an official ceremony in front of the county building where the mayor came out and said a few words, then Santa came out to pull the lever to light the star. I did not actually see or hear the mayor, no idea who it is, nor did we see Santa. There were too many people crowding around, so we just stood on the outskirts in a good position to see the star. Also, Chris was joking with one of his friends and they kept doing fake count downs, which got some dirty looks from a couple people around us.
Finally the crowd started counting down and ... nothing. They had positioned lights going up the trail to the star and they lit up very slowly one by one. Finally there was a couple great pyrotechnic puffs of smoke and the star was lighted.

The lighted star.

My cold boys.

All in all, it was a fun experience. I am looking forward to next year, especially now that I know what to expect. It is neat to look up and see the star almost floating in the darkness, while driving around town. I have no idea how long it will stay on, but I will enjoy it as long as it is there.