Two lucky children will be chosen to assist Santa Claus as he flips the switch that lights up Keizer’s Christmas tree on Tuesday, Dec. 1. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing pandemic, the public will not be invited for the ceremony this time around.
Despite the inability to gather, the event will be televised on Keizer 23, Keizer’s local access television station, and the Keizer Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
The annual lighting ceremony is at Walery Plaza, named for Keizer resident Dave Walery, affectionately known as Mr. Christmas due to his volunteer work over many years maintaining and installing the decorations that line River Road during the holidays as well as his work with the permanent tree. Walery Plaza is located where River Road and Cherry Avenue meet.
Beth Melendy of the Keizer Public Arts Commission will announce the 2021 winner of the City of Keizer holiday card contest.
Santa is expected to arrive in Keizer around 6 p.m., hitching a ride to Walery Plaza in a fire truck courtesy of his friends at the Keizer Fire District. The actual flipping of the switch of the tree lights is expected to happen shortly after.