Hundreds Gather to Kick Off the Holiday Season
Published on November 30, 2022
2022 Downtown Holiday Lighting Festival
On Friday, November 18th, 2022, Mayor Tyrone A. Garner and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas (UG) hosted the 2022 Downtown Holiday Lighting Festival at City Hall (701 N. 7th Street, KCK, KS).
Over 400 guests gathered for the first in-person holiday event since the covid-19 pandemic. Attendees enjoyed many family fun activities throughout the City Hall Plaza, lobby, and commission chambers.
“I’m beyond grateful for the amazing turnout and the hard work put in by so many UG staff and community volunteers,” expressed Mayor Tyrone A. Garner. “I especially thank the Wyandotte County/KCK residents that came out to make this event a great success. When I envisioned this year’s holiday lighting festival, I wanted our community to have a night of family fun and holiday cheer to remember. With collaborating with local students, talent and vendors, this year’s event offered a little something for everyone of all ages. I look forward to expanding next year’s holiday festival to be even bigger and better than this year!”
2022 Festival Highlights
- Santa & Mrs. Claus Photos and goodie bags
- Free hot chocolate and apple cider
- Face painting, crafts, 360 Photobooths
- Food trucks & local vendors
- Holiday movies and popcorn in the Commission Chambers
- Holiday choir selections from Central Middle School & Schlagle High School
- Live entertainment from RoseMarie’s Mexicana Fiesta, Gateway Highsteppers Drill Team, KCK Community Orchestra, and the Salvation Army Brass Band
First Annual UG Gingerbread House Competition
As part of Mayor Garner’s vision for fun and collaboration this holiday season, this year Mayor Garner kicked off the first annual UG wide Gingerbread House Competition. This friendly competition fostered creativity, teamwork and innovative thinking and building for UG departments. After a week of true designing and building in the lobby of city hall, Mayor Garner crowned three departments as first, second and third place winners. Be on the lookout next holiday season for a community-wide gingerbread house competition.
1st Place: Municipal Court
2nd Place: Legal Department
3rd Place: Appraiser’s Office
2022 Holiday Lighting Festival Photos
A special thanks again to all who attended and helped make this event a huge success for our community!
We look forward to seeing you at the 2023 Downtown Holiday Lighting Festival!