Lena held its second annual Light Up Lena holiday event Sunday, giving residents a chance to befriend businesses and greet the holiday season.
“The whole point of this event is to help bring attention to the village of Lena and to the businesses and what we have to offer here,” Village Clerk Charlene Meier said.
“It’s nice to have an event where we can go around and befriend businesses,” said Seventh-day Adventist church member Rosanna Zeismer, who narrated a live Nativity scene at the Seventh-day Adventist Church. “We’re lucky to have these opportunities.”
Although it was a chilly night to be outdoors, the kids enjoyed performing in the Nativity scene.
“It’s nice to have the community come through, and it’s nice for the kids,” Zeismer said.
Village Trustee Linda Earley Hinds, the inspiration behind the event, also helped plan the celebration.
The event has grown since last year, thanks to more businesses participating, giveaways and additional activities. Meier said the event will continue to be offered in upcoming years.
The activities included wreath and poinsettia sales sponsored by the local FFA chapter, carols played by the Lena High School band, a visit from Santa at the Village Hall and a movie at the library.
A new activity took place this year at the Lena High School cafeteria, where the student council hired Lena fifth-grader Sidney Sylvester to make balloon animals.
“I think this brings people to our community who might not otherwise come here. This is something really good for the entire community,” said Bobbie Hermersmann, co-adviser of the student council.
Co-adviser Jann Sharpe said the event is not only a great way to promote the community but also is a good start to the holiday season. The event summarizes the village’s tagline, “Small community, great opportunity,” she said.
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