By Howard Packowitz

A trying week in McLean County was capped off Friday night by an event aimed at spreading holiday cheer.

A crowd braved bitter cold to watch the lighting of the city Christmas tree at Withers Park in Downtown Bloomington.

Caroling helped warm hearts on a very cold Friday night. Alderman Karen Schmidt said she attends the tree lighting every year. She said it’s a wonderful tradition.

“This is about community and people coming around the tradition of the tree and celebrating the holidays together, however you celebrate,” said Schmidt.

However, many in the Twin-Cities are not celebrating. Kids, parents, and staff at Normal West High School are trying to cope with Wednesday night’s school bus crash. A man died in a West Jefferson Street shooting, and prominent community leaders have recently passed away, notably West Bloomington Revitalization Project co-founder Rick Heiser and Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church Pastor Frank McSwain Sr.

McSwain’s visitation was happening at the same time Christmas revelers gathered at Withers Park.

“We had a lot of losses of community leaders, and some really disturbing events this week,” said Schmidt.

“This is truly an opportunity for us to take care of each other, and remember that we are a community, and we do look out for each other,” Schmidt added.

For those who are suffering, “we lift them up in our prayers,” said Alderman Kimberly Bray.

“What’s so great about this community is that we know one another, we care about each other, and we reach out all times of the year,” Bray also said.

Bray said the Christmas tree lights are symbolic of a community that reaches out to others in need.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]