PRIDE IN OURSELVES

Each week I have the honor to recap the week of activities and share news about the Alliance and our members. I am especially proud this week to share the news of the day. My report is centered on how this community celebrates the holidays and shows its pride.

On Monday, we partnered with the Winter Wonderland of Lights Committee and the City of Ashland in lighting up Central Park. For 38 years the park has served as the centerpiece of pride for the holidays. This year over 850,000 LED lights highlight the Christmas spirit here in Ashland. Since the early 1900’s the City of Ashland has decorated for Christmas and brought the holiday season to life in downtown. Starting in the 1915-1920’s lights were introduced to the city streets for the holidays. For over 100 years people from all over the Tri-State and beyond have come here to feel the joy of the holidays.

Monday was also the day that our own Paula Mayo was named the Grand Marshall of the Winter Wonderland of Lights Parade. The Parade will be 7:00 sharp this coming Tuesday. Paula has worked as a key person for the last 38 years on this celebration and is the perfect person to have this honor.

Last Night was also one of the best events and After Hours of the year for the Alliance. DESCO Federal Credit Union and the Paramount Arts Center hosted the first glimpse of Festival of Trees and Trains… “All that Glitters”. Hundreds of you, the business community, came out to see and feel the Christmas Season come alive in one of the most beautiful settings in the State.

I have worked across the nation doing what I do. This community and the spirit are special. It’s not normal to have so many that give so much to benefit all. This is the meaning of the Holidays for many of us. We celebrate in style. Thank you for what you do that enables this to happen.

I hope each one of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and know that we appreciate you, who you are and what this community offers to all. The Alliance is proud to be a part of this community and do our part with you to build for the next 100 years.

Enjoy the season!

—Tim Gibbs, Ashland Alliance