StarBulletin.com

Contest winners to light city tree


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POSTED: Saturday, November 21, 2009

The sponsor of the Honolulu City Lights program is looking for anyone who can prove they attended the first City Lights program 25 years ago.

Those who can prove it are eligible for a contest to see who gets to flip the switch to light the city Christmas tree at this year's City Lights program on Dec. 5.

The annual tree-lighting ceremony at Honolulu Hale kicks off a month of city-sponsored events highlighting the silver-anniversary theme, “;25 Years of Magic.”; New displays and ornaments will also be unveiled.

The Friends of Honolulu City Lights is sponsoring the “;Were You There on Dec. 12, 1985?”; contest. Members of the public may submit a copy of a photograph or any article that proves they were present at the city's first official tree-lighting. The entry deadline is noon Wednesday.

Contestants should include a name, phone number and a brief description of the photo or item. Entries may be dropped off at any satellite city hall in the “;Tell It to the Mayor”; box; or mailed to the 25th Anniversary Were You There Contest, The Friends of Honolulu City Lights, P.O. Box 8877, Honolulu, HI 96830.

The top five finalists will be chosen by the Friends of Honolulu City Lights. The mayor will hold a drawing with the finalists present and announce the winner on Friday.

The Dec. 5 program will open at 4 p.m. with food booths and keiki rides. A Kawaiaha'o Church concert follows at 5 p.m. and the tree-lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. with a surprise special guest. A Christmas tree exhibit, wreaths and gingerbread houses will be on display in Honolulu Hale.

For a list of events, visit hsblinks.com/1d1.