Tree Lighting: Singing in the Rain

Light rains Monday night didn't dampen the sense of pride in our community as over 200 residents raised their umbrellas to celebrate the lighting of the town's new community Christmas tree, a gift to the people of Du Quoin from the Du Quoin State Bank.

The sounds of Christmas filled the Central Plaza in downtown Du Quoin as the Sacred Heart Catholic Church choir sang carols at the outset of the ceremony. Church organist Aaron Atkins accompanied the choir on a keyboard before the formal lighting.

It was an event attended by Illinois Rep. Terri Bryant of Murphysboro who said the turnout in the rain spoke volumes about the sense of pride in Main Street and in the community.

Mayor Guy Alongi spoke about how the city and the bank came together on such a great gift to celebrate the bank's 100th anniversary as Du Quoin's hometown bank. Bank president Dan Fulk said the bank's centennial celebration bring's into focus it's commitment to its customers and to the people of Du Quoin.

He said the celebration doesn't end as the year ends. It will continue well into the future. Alongi said locating the tree in the Central Plaza near the clock in memory of the late bank board chairman and Mayor John Rednour was most fitting as "it shines a bright light on a vision that continues today."

Most of those attending left the ceremony and went straight to the Du Quoin State Bank's holiday open house that featured visits with Santa, some great cookies and hot chocolate.