Lighting the tree

Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Gazette

Hundreds witness the lighting of "The Community Christmas Tree" Thursday evening in McCook's Kelley Park. The tree, and especially the new 4-foot-tall, 600-bulb Moravian star tree topper, was dedicated to the memory of Phil Rouse, the father of Ryan Davis, who, with his wife Janelle, originated the Community Christmas Tree two years ago. Santa Claus rode in on "Prancer," and McCook National Bank and Sparky's Kids Club offered a hot cocoa bar, with whipped cream, marshmallows and candy sprinkles.

Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Gazette

Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Gazette