Annual tree lighting at Philadelphia's City Hall courtyard
CENTER CITY (WPVI) -- Philadelphia's annual tree lighting ceremony went on as scheduled despite the presence of dozens of protesters in the City Hall courtyard.
The holiday season was ushered in with fanfare Wednesday night - bringing smiles to faces young and old.
Lauren Michalik came with her husband and two boys.
"We wanted to be here with the kids and do something for the holidays and see the tree for the first time being lit," said Michalik.
The night kicked off with holiday music from local artists and ended right before the tree lighting with recording artist Estelle.
"I've been here a few times and I always get a lot of love - real authentic music love too," said Estelle.
Her performance is part of the reason why Clark Mote and his daughter Sylvia headed out to Dilworth Park.
"Of course we enjoyed ourselves because we're here together and we saw some great performances tonight - hearing Estelle was a blessing for us," said Clark Mote.
The 35-foot tree is a Norway Spruce that was grown in Media, Delaware County.
It's decorated with more than 2,000 LED lights.
The tree is returning to City Hall after a three year hiatus because of renovations to surrounding Dilworth Plaza - now renamed Dilworth Park.
Even though there was a whole lot of dancing and holiday cheer, families could not drown out the dozens of protestors who showed up before tree lighting.
Sylvia Mote says she believes in the right to protest but didn't understand why demonstrators chose the tree ceremony.
"I didn't understand the connection between the race relations and the struggle with that in America with the Christmas spirit," she said.
Roshoma Brown thought about leaving but decided to stay despite the interruption.
"It's a mixed emotion because I have sons as well but I still wanted my children to have the tradition we have with the tree lighting," said Brown.
Most in attendance said they were glad the city decided to go on with the ceremony even with all the protests.
