On Sunday, December 3, 2023, the Great Falls Community Beautification Association flipped the switch to turn on the lights of the Christmas display at "Flag Hill." In the video above, reporter Cade Menter talks with some of the event organizers.
It is a tradition that has been ongoing for the past 48 years, otherwise known as the annual memorial Christmas tree lighting, set up by members of the Great Falls Community Beautification Association.
"We started the program on this Hill 48 years ago, back when there were hardly any trees, no electricity, and no water," said Dan Oakland, who serves as a board member for the Community Beautification Association. "The Community Beautification Association put all of those utilities in. We've had this program every year since."
Oakland said it is more than just celebrating the holiday season, it is also about recognizing those who have passed.
At the beginning of the event, a choir is sang by a group of kids. Shortly after, a list of names who have passed away are read out loud.
Lights are present for people to enjoy as they drive by or walk along the area. The lights are usually kept up until January 7th.
Speaking on the event's popularity, Oakland said, "I started reading the names when it was about 50 to 70 people, and I think we were at 380 or something like that now. When we first started, we had a choir, and it was a short 'Silent Night', a couple of verses. This evening, they got to 'Silent Night' 14 times, so it's a major project.
Due to challenges brought to the organization, the torch will be passed down to NeighborWorks Great Falls, who will be leading the program moving forward.
NeighborWorks Great Falls Executive Director, Sherrie Arey stated, "It's so easy for communities to lose traditions, and for a tradition that's been going on for 48 years. They needed someone to guarantee that tradition would be continued. It's the backbone of holiday and Christmas traditions. We're just thrilled to be asked and invited to shadow this year and then to take on next year, and make sure that we're still bringing the beautiful lights to this area, as well as reading all of those memorial names that folks send in."
A large part of NeighborWorks Great Falls' mission is to create strong neighborhoods and successful homeowners by developing and promoting quality affordable housing. Much of that mission stems from being actively involved in the community.
"Part of our mission is community engagement," Arey said. "What a better way to be able to engage the community and make new neighbors that know about NeighborWorks as to put together something like this, some of the funds that will be generated through this will go towards our 'CommUNITY Cleanup' so that circle will continue of community beautification."
"We're extremely happy with their organization, their size, and their years of experience" Oakland said. "I'm very happy we're doing it. They're extremely excited about helping us and continuing this project. They're much larger, they have a bigger volunteer base, and I'm sure we'll make many improvements over what we've strived to build over the last 48 years."
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