Brunswick holiday tree lighting tradition off to a bright start

BRUNSWICK, Ohio - For the first time ever, Brunswick residents have a holiday tree lighting right in their own backyards.

“It is about time the city had one,” said Brunswick resident Chris White, who attended the first Brunswick Community Christmas Tree Lighting event at St. Mark Lutheran Church Nov. 24 with his wife, Jackie, and kids Emma, 9, and Logan, 7. “But the city is getting bigger.”

Jackie added that the family typically attends Strongsville’s tree lighting event but jumped at the chance to come to Brunswick’s when they found out about it on Facebook. While the event included hot chocolate from Human Bean, photo opportunities with reindeer from Spring Mist Farms and an appearance from Santa himself, the White children were in agreement that the tree was the big draw.

Residents and Cindy Kulas and their kids, Brianna, 15, and Madison, 12, also had a good time at the tree lighting, adding that they hope it becomes an annual event.

“We are just excited to have something in Brunswick to bring everyone together,” Cindy said.

According to event organizers, the tree lighting was not an official city function. Ward 4 Brunswick City Councilman Keith Kuczma attended with his family and said it was a wonderful event for the community.

“Just to see the kids’ joy,” Kuczma said. “I mean, there are reindeer and hot chocolate – what a great event and a chance to spend time with others in the community.”

As the air filled with holiday music and the St. Mark’s parking lot and front lawn filled with visitors eager for the official lighting, co-organizer and Brunswick Hills Township resident, Kimberlee Bublik, said the event came together as a completely volunteer effort. She thanked local residents and businesses – including the placing of the tree by Hoffman Tree Service and landscaping from Outstanding Scapes – for all their hard work.

“Other communities have these and Brunswick never has,” Bublik said. “As residents, we got some people together and [began planning] in the late summer.”

She also thanked the dozens of sponsors and St. Mark’s in particular for donating space for the tree, as Santa gave the official countdown and this year’s holiday season in Brunswick got off to a decidedly bright start.