Holiday cheer in Davis

PHOTO: Davis High cheerleaders set up a table filled with treats in order to raise money for the program.

By Leyla Bolkan

BlueDevilHUB.com Staff–

The annual Davis Tree Lighting is one of the city’s oldest traditions. A candlelight parade marks the beginning of the night. Festivities followed performances from local choir groups, a window decorating contest and a station to write letters to Santa.

For the past 10 years, the Davis High cheerleading team has been a part of the ceremony. 

“I have no idea how it started, but we consider ourselves so lucky to be able to keep this tradition going,” cheer team coach Tamara Reed said.

Preparation and planning for the tree lighting start in October with the help of team members and parents. The team decorates E Street plaza by hanging wreaths and ribbons to set the mood.

Every year the cheerleaders dress up in costume and ride around in the parade. The costumes vary from the Grinch and a gingerbread man to a cow and a frog that kids can take pictures with.

Cheerleading captain Zuria Horning dressed up in the cow costume this year.

“I couldn’t see at all and the costume was very uncomfortable but it was worth it to hear how happy the kids were to take a picture with a cow,” Horning said.

 At the tree lighting, the team has a booth where they sell baked goods, popcorn and hot chocolate to help raise money for the cheer team’s season.

“We love that we get to be in the middle of it, and do something so fun that also helps support our journey through our competition season,” Reed said.