On Friday night, the City of Dayton held their 47th Annual Grande Illumination Christmas tree lighting and Children’s Parade.
Thousands of spectators gathered on Courthouse Square and the surrounding streets to kick off the Christmas holiday season.
The popular event included a “live reindeer display, musical entertainment, games, holiday crafts, and horse-drawn wagon rides.
Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, city and county commissioners and other community leaders were on hand for the ceremony.
The mayor said it had been a tough year for Dayton and said she remained grateful for the first responders, community leaders and residents who pulled together in the city’s time of need.
The city has a month-long series of holiday events scheduled through December. You can find a full list of those events online at downtowndayton.org.