Tradition reigns at Oconto Falls Avenue of Lights

After so many years the routine is down pat, and yet hundreds of people return to enjoy it all over again for the first time.

The Oconto Falls Lioness Club and its sponsors spends weeks setting up the annual Avenue of Lights display at East Side Beach and on trees up and down North Main Street, and the crowd gathers at 6 p.m. on the Saturday after Thanksgiving — Nov. 26 this year.

The Oconto Falls High School Choir warms up the crowd with a selection of familiar Christmas hymns and carols from the beach shelter, led for the first time this year by new choir director AbbyGaile Jadin. As they finish, the top of the Dutch door opens to reveal volunteers ready to serve hot chocolate and cookies to any and all comers.

Two things happen simultaneously at 6:30: The holiday lights go on along the street, inspiring “oohs” and “aahs” from the gathering, which seemed larger than normal this year, and sirens sound as an Oconto Falls Fire Department truck delivers Santa and Mrs. Claus to greet the children of all ages.

The crowd disperses with another season’s worth of happy memories, but the lights will return every night for the rest of the year, from 6-10 p.m. daily until Jan. 1.