“I love this season!” says New Carlisle city councilman, Ethan Reynolds, as he shares a photo of himself sporting one frantically-festive 3-piece Christmas suit. Reynolds has become infamous for wearing the Christmas suits and ugly Christmas sweaters to city council meetings and other community events. The die-hard Christmas fan promises he is warming up a suit in preparation for the city’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony to be held at 6:30 pm on Dec. 2 in downtown New Carlisle.

Reynolds is excited about the community event, which he helped resurrect in in 2015 after thinking of the fond memories he had of similar community events he participated in as a child.

“We (held Christmas Tree Lightings) in the past, and when I was a child I used to sing at them for our Christmas concerts. (Sadly), we hadn’t held one in almost a decade...So three years ago I decided we should do it again. I absolutely love Christmas, it’s the best time of the year!”

The growing popularity of the ceremony proves that New Carlisle is home to other die-hard Christmas fans like just like Reynolds. Approximately 15 people joined Reynolds at the first lighting ceremony; one year later, more than 75 people took part in the annual holiday event.

Reynolds encourages residents to bring ornaments with them to help decorate the city’s Christmas tree before the lighting countdown begins at 6:45. Over 2000 lights will adorn the donated tree. The Tecumseh Show Choir will be performing that evening, and Santa Claus will be popping in for a visit too. Reynolds says he is also working on having hot chocolate and candy canes available for refreshments.

Everyone is invited to join Reynolds in downtown New Carlisle to help kick-start the holiday season during the city’s Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony...ugly Christmas sweaters are optional.