The Lightin’ Up celebration continues in 2024!

County Executive Samantha Kerkman led the countdown for the ceremonial tree lighting during a Saturday evening event at the Petrifying Springs Biergarten.

The tree, which is located on the south end of the park, will now be lit up at 5 p.m. each night through the holidays. Kerkman began the tree-lighting tradition last year, as Kenosha County Parks transplanted a pine tree into the park.

“This tree will stand tall and continue to grow for years to come,” Kerkman said. “Traditions like this are part of what make our community so special, and it’s wonderful to be able to celebrate with everyone here tonight.”

Saturday’s festivities included some special guests — namely, Mr. and Mrs. Claus — plus a pair of live reindeer and ornament-making activities for kids.

The Biergarten opened for the day, serving cold beer and hot chocolate and German Glühwein, and food trucks were also available. Guests also had the opportunity to come in from the cold, with climate-controlled “Holidomes” available for rent by the hour.

Petrifying Springs Park is located at 5555 Seventh Street (Highway A) in the Village of Somers. For more information about Kenosha County Parks events and amenities, visit https://parks.kenoshacounty.org or follow Kenosha County Parks on Facebook and Instagram.