So finally, I have a Friday night off and tonight is Gunnison’s annual parade of lights and the lighting of the tree. A tradition I have witnessed since I was way little. Where all the kids stand around in the cold and get high from the sugar being passed out by the parade participants. Yes, sure a wonderful idea…. give little kids candy at 8:00 at night. Yeah that’s a brilliant good idea. But what’s sad, is that I’m sure if I stay around Gunnison, like I have, I will send my kids to the parade to give them something to do and therefore letting my kids junk out on candy, producing the super sugar high that I have been speak of. 

Lighting of the tree is even bigger than that of the parade. All week long one person in every elementary class is chosen to hang their class’ ornaments on the 75+ foot Christmas tree by a cherry picker. I remember, every year pleading to the Christmas tree gods to pick me to go and do the honors for our class. However, I was never picked. That’s beside the point however. I find it amazing though, how this simple tradition brings together the community. This is the very reason I stayed in Gunnison and went to Western. I love Gunnison and will love to stay.