Sparkling snowflake lights, a dazzling 23-foot tree, carolers and festively dressed Quad Citizens ushered in the season Nov. 19 during this year’s Tree Lighting in Downtown Rock Island, the kick-off event for Deck the Downtowns.
“We put a lot of money and effort into our downtown and to have an event like this is just very exciting,” said Ann Austin, a lifelong resident of Rock Island. “I love Rock Island, and I think it’s great to see the festivities tonight – the young people, the babies, the dogs and the hot chocolate. Everything good about Christmas,” she said.
Guests at the event were greeted with caroling by the Rock Island High School Chamber Choir, as shoppers filled the vendor stalls looking for holiday gifts by local makers, Dandee Flowers, Seal Ceramics, Catalpa Natural Cleaning Services and Moon House Medicines.
La Flama Restaurant’s food truck served delicious food while Icons Martini poured peppermint mocha and pecan pie martinis. Children and families enjoyed free bicycle taxi rides to visit Santa and sip hot cocoa at Schwiebert Riverfront Park. To top it off, attendees also tested their hands at crafts and games inside the gallery at Quad City Arts while musician Liv Carrow performed live holiday tunes.
“The decorations are awesome, and of course the streets look great – even better than awesome,” said Dave Phillips, owner of Icons Martini. “The event brings a bunch of people downtown that maybe wouldn’t normally come down – and they get to see the improvements and spread the word,” he said.
Following a 10-second countdown, Rock Island Mayor Ashley Harris lit the tree, touting the recent efforts to beautify downtown.
The City and Rock Island Downtown Alliance have invested about $35,000 the past two seasons to enhance holiday decorations downtown. In addition to the snowflake lights and the tree – wreaths, garland and red and green street banners helped make the scene jolly, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
“Our beloved 18th Street looks seasonally bright, exciting and fresh for the holidays for the first time in years,” said Jon Keim, owner of The Original Huckleberry’s Great Pizza and Calzones. “I believe if we work together, share, listen, support, care and try - what we focus on can get better. Let's all celebrate this holiday season together and beyond."
The increased focus on streetscape beautification and programming is a direct result of the public-private partnership between the Downtown Alliance and the City, said Jack Cullen, Executive Director of the Downtown Alliance.
“We’ve worked really hard to create these spaces and opportunities for people to gather with their neighbors and experience downtown,” Cullen said. “It’s beautiful to see the vision come to life and witness the pride and positive response from the community.”
The public is invited to explore downtown all season long as part of Deck the Downtowns. The Holiday Train Hunt and Display challenge continue through Jan. 1, and the highly anticipated 2nd Ave. Holiday Market is set for Sunday, Dec. 7.