Sardy Tree Lights Up the Holiday Season
Crowds of people surround the Sardy House Tree as it is lit up for the first time this holiday season.
The black sky almost reflected the magnificent colors on the tree, at the symbolic lighting ceremony, which always takes place from 6:00- 7:00 P.M. on the first Sunday of December, which was December 7th this year. Approximately 300 people gathered at the 30th anniversary of the Sardy House Tree Lighting Ceremony. Cop cars blocked off part of Main Street so that everyone could enjoy the event. People surrounded the tree, listening to holiday carols, anxious to see the 93-foot fir tree be lit to begin the holiday season.
The tree is the tallest living Christmas tree in the United States and represents a time to celebrate life regardless of respective religions. People gathered round the large tree with hot chocolate and cookies donated by Main Street Bakery in hand, while carolers sung and an appearance of Santa himself took place. Bill Stirling, the former Aspen mayor who was the original tree-lighter at the first-ever Sardy House Ceremony 30 years ago, was this year’s special guest. He flipped the switch to “on” to light up the tree and he spoke of bravery and encouraged the town to be safe this holiday season.
The sense of community was evident as several schools performed traditional holiday carols including“Jingle Bell Rock” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”, there was even a performance by six members of the Aspen Police Department wearing Santa hats and singing “Feliz Navidad.” The AHS A Capella Club and jazz band led by Sarah Stevens and Steve Heldt performed “Jingle Bells”, “Soul Cake”, and “Walking in a Winter Wonderland”.
“The atmosphere from the community was infectious while performing beneath the lights of the Sardy House, I loved the number of children and the holiday spirit that was brought with performing at the Sardy House Tree Lighting,” AHS junior Anna Belinski said.
John Devaney, the current owner of the Sardy House has continued the tradition as well as improving it, spending roughly 120,000 dollars on the lights alone, according to an Aspen Times article written December 1st 2006. He wants to honor his property’s rich history and what better way to do so than add 10,000 LED lights on the tree that can change to 16.7 million different colors. Through the millions of different shades, the Christmas lights can generate virtually any image whether it’s a rainbow or fireworks while also making the tree appear to be ablaze. Although he wasn’t able to attend this year, he had generously allowed the community to continue the event on his property.
“T’was a great time, the community really got together,” said AHS freshman Nicole Buglione.
Being an annual occasion for the past 30 years, it has created a bridge from the past to the present for many old-time Aspenites.
“It was like a special treat to go on the balcony and see that beautiful tree all lit up. It wouldn’t have been Christmas without the glittering tree, there would be something missing,” said Eliane Wolf, a long time Aspenite and my grandmother.
This tradition is also for the younger generation, as many AHS students attend. Meanwhile, the younger children sit on Santa’s lap, entrusting him with their holiday wishes.
“It was amazing to see the town come together in the wintery spirit with the beautiful lights,” said freshman Jozie Wille.
For the future, it is fair to say the people in Aspen hope to keep this tradition going strong for generations to enjoy.
