Lindsborg kicked off the holiday season with the annual Bridge Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, November 25th at 5:30pm. Observers and participants met at the bridge for the ceremony, which was followed by a procession north on Main Street.
The walk concluded at Swensson Park, where there was a brief ceremony that included carols, lighting of the Heritage Tree and refreshments. The Lindsborg Youth Choir performed a few carols; Moneka is in the choir and performed a duet with Anita.
This was a nice way to begin the holiday season and one could easily imagine similar ceremonies stretching back in time, with the only real difference being the use of fire to light the crowd and performers.
Larger versions of these images are available at my Flickr Bridge Lighting set.
UPDATE: I adjusted the color balance to remove the orange cast from the images at the park. Technically, I changed the color temperature from 3400K to 2400K. The older images, which some may prefer due to their warmth, are posted at the end of this entry, in the extended entry area.
Lighting of the Smoky Hill Bridge marks the beginning of the holiday season in Lindsborg.
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The procession begins with flatbed trucks loaded with happy celebrants.
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The more athletically inclined start their march towards Swensson Park.
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The ceremony begins with a reading of the history of early holiday celebrations near Lindsborg.
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The Lindsborg Youth Choir performs as the Heritage Tree at Swensson Park is lit up with bright holiday lights.
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I love this intimate view of the audience and the Lindsborg Youth Choir.
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Lindsborg Youth Choir performing at the lighting of the Heritage Tree.
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Lindsborg Youth Choir performing at the lighting of the Heritage Tree.
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Older versions, ~3400K:
The ceremony begins with a reading of the history of early holiday celebrations near Lindsborg.
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The Lindsborg Youth Choir performs as the Heritage Tree at Swensson Park is lit up with bright holiday lights.
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I love this intimate view of the audience and the Lindsborg Youth Choir.
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Lindsborg Youth Choir performing at the lighting of the Heritage Tree.
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Lindsborg Youth Choir performing at the lighting of the Heritage Tree.
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