Christmas In Downtown Benton

Christmas in downtown Benton took on a new look this year. The volunteers and members of Downtown Benton, Inc., with a little help from the City of Benton, donated, installed, and decorated a 26’ Christmas tree! The tree, located at the entrance to Capitol Park, was promoted in the Benton Evening News and on WSIL TV as being, “. . .the biggest in Franklin County.” We actually believe that it was the largest community Christmas tree in Southern Illinois, but, we’ll settle for knowing it was the largest in our county!

The tree was festooned with no less than 3,000 miniature clear lights, streamers, bows, and giant-sized lollipops. Decorating the tree took the volunteers a couple of Saturdays, and, required the help of the Benton Fire Department to do the ‘high’ work (using the Department’s tower truck).

On Friday evening, Dec. 15, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived by sleigh to meet and greet festive children (and, others!) gathered for the grand ‘lighting of the tree.’ Downtown Benton, Inc.’s., volunteers and members provided apple cider and cookies for those attending, and, the Rend Lake College Choir provided Christmas Carols for the occasion.