Battle Ground lights up for Christmas

Annual holiday tree lighting attended in droves

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Battle Ground celebrated the holidays on Friday as Santa Claus arrived at the city’s annual tree lighting ceremony on a fire engine and the city’s tree was ignited in festive lights. 

On Dec. 3, residents gathered at the Battle Ground Community Center to watch the annual tree lighting ceremony. Kicked off by city Mayor Adrian Cortes, the event featured Battle Ground High School carolers and a chance to meet the season’s chief elf inside the community center.

Battle Ground Recreation and Facilities Manager Kim Cederholm was somewhat surprised at the turnout. Cederholm started in her new role in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic so the annual event was new to her. 

“This is my first one, so I’m super happy with the turnout,” Cederholm said. 

She said it was “absolutely easy” to put together the event.

Organizations like Battle Ground Public Schools and the Battle Ground Lions Club have been instrumental in the popular event.

“I think the community just stepped up and did their part and, you know, we’re putting this on but it’s definitely a community partnership,” Cederholm said. “There’s more people than I anticipated and it’s just that community feel that we haven’t had in a few years.” 



Following the performance of the BGHS choir, Mayor Cortes kicked off the lighting ceremony, and called for a prayer before the city’s tree was lit up and shown off. 

“It’s a huge tradition,” Cortes said about the ceremony. “I’m just glad people were able to get out (and) about and get to see each other’s faces again.”