The children of two slain Kansas City, Kan., police officers will throw the switch to turn on the holiday lights on Friday evening, Nov. 18, at City Hall plaza, 701 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kan.
The annual Mayor’s Downtown Holiday Lighting Festival will be held from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, at the City Hall plaza. The lighting ceremony will be about 7:15 p.m.
The children of Capt. Robert David Melton and Detective Brad Lancaster, police officers who were killed in the line of duty in separate incidents earlier this year, will participate in the Christmas tree lighting, a spokesman said.
Mayor Mark Holland invited the children to participate this year as a way to show public support for the families and for all law enforcement officials during the holidays, the spokesman said.
The annual lighting festival downtown typically draws hundreds or thousands of people. It is free and open to the public.
There will be a visit to Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday movies, live music, and a neighborhood tree decorating contest. The first 1,000 children in attendance will receive goodie bags, and there is also free popcorn, crafts and games. Costumed characters will be in attendance.
This year, a plaque will be presented recognizing the hard work of Don Jones, UG director of buildings, on this project. Many volunteers and sponsors also are expected to attend.