City Christmas tree lighting to be held December 3 at Greene Square Park

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – November 21, 2011 – The official Cedar Rapids Christmas tree will be lighted in conjunction with the Cedar Rapids Downtown District and Freedom Festival's “Fire and Ice” celebration on Saturday, December 3 at 5:30 p.m. Playtime Poppy, accompanied by two Candy Corn Kids, will do the honors. This is the 60th anniversary of Playtime Poppy.

This year's Christmas tree is a 25 foot Blue Spruce donated by John and Nancy Vendelin, 1800 Hidden Hollow Lane NW.  Because of construction on May's Island Plaza, the tree will be placed in Greene Square Park. The Parks & Recreation Department with the assistance of Public Works Forestry and Coonrod Wrecker and Crane Service will cut, transport and set the tree at Greene Square Park on Monday, November 28.

Other Fire and Ice events occurring that day include the Winter Wonderland Activity Zone, carriage rides, fire juggler Doug Sayers, 7th Annual Chili Challenge, Santa and Friends Meet-and-Greet, and Ugly Holiday Sweater Party. For a Fire and Ice schedule of events go to

www.downtowncr.org.

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