1. The Annual Tree Lighting is proudly organized annually by an all-volunteer committee of Discover Doylestown and members of our community. We receive support from the Doylestown Fire Company #1, Borough of Doylestown, volunteers, and many generous sponsors. Costs to host this event are covered by Discover Doylestown's various fundraising efforts throughout the year. Our mission is to create a vibrant town and create lasting traditions with help from residents, businesses, government, and visitors alike.
2. Our Holiday Committee meets year-round to plan decorations including the snowflake lights, coordinate volunteers, sponsors, logistics, and many of the other facets of winter holiday celebrations.
3. The tree is donated by local families or farms - the 2017 tree was donated by the DeGroot-Townsend Family. Our tree search begins a year in advance and is carefully reviewed for health, transportation, and ability to be adorned with lights! We encourage all community members who feel they have a tree they would like to donate to reach out to us!
4. The Doylestown Fire Company #1 volunteers their use of the ladder truck and brave firefighters to hang our tree's decorations to keep our volunteers safe and accident-free. In prior years ornaments are hung by members of the Fire Company when the tree is first put up. Our committee decided after many years of ornaments being removed, damaged by weather, and repeatedly falling off or breaking to add double the lights and a brand new tree topper to really make the center of town shine extra brightly!
5. Space for the tree's display and Tree Lighting Celebration is graciously donated by Rick Lyons, owner of the Fountain House. The State and Main Street intersection is one of the busiest intersections in the Borough allowing thousands of pedestrians and vehicles to see it annually.
6. Discover Doylestown has supported the annual Chanukah Songfest and dreidel display in Doylestown for many years. Originally commissioned and designed by members of Temple Judea, the dreidel was damaged several years ago and concerns over its safety were raised.
7. The original dreidel was carefully selected by members of the Temple and Doylestown Borough to be a symbol for all in celebration of the winter holiday.
8. The dreidel was determined to be unsafe to move and display. Attempts to find a solution for a replacement were unsuccessful.
10. Our volunteer committee is always looking for new members to help continue these community-driven events for years to come. Please consider volunteering your time or joining Discover Doylestown!
About Us: Doylestown Business and Community Alliance DBA Discover Doylestown is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of residents and businesses dedicated to celebrating our community and creating lasting traditions. Since our beginning in 1989, our efforts have been driven by the volunteer efforts of local residents and businesses. We encourage all community members to get involved!