There’s still time to prepare, but don’t dawdle as Mineral County’s newest holiday event is coming together quickly and promises to bring light, color, and community spirit to the heart of winter.

The Season of Light Christmas Tree Display, organized by members of the Superior United Methodist Church, will launch on Thursday, Dec. 18, with displays remaining up through at least Christmas Day, and potentially beyond. Open to all residents of Mineral County, this first-of-its-kind event invites groups, businesses, clubs and families to bring and decorate their own Christmas trees for a public outdoor display.

 The festive forest will be hosted on the north lawn of Trails WestBank in Superior, the same location that houses the Old Schoolhouse Rock Car Show each June. There is no cost to participate, and the event is entirely community driven.

“We’re calling it a Season of Light,” said Lynda Anderson, a church member and one of the event’s organizers. “We are hoping it becomes a chance for fellowship with our neighbors all across the county, not just in Superior.” 

There are no restrictions on tree types or size. Participants may bring natural or artificial trees, whether 3 feet or 20 feet tall, and decorate them however they choose; be it whimsical, traditional, themed, or handmade. Want to use a plastic palm tree or a birch tree? Go right ahead. Solar or battery-operated lights are encouraged for visibility after dark, and those interested in sharing a gas-powered generator are welcome to coordinate among themselves.

“It’s a wonderful idea,” said Donna Simons, Assistant Vice President of Trails WestBank. “I hope they get lots of entries. Maybe next year it could even be a competition. We’re happy to help however we can.”

Organizers encourage a wide range of participants, nonprofits, civic groups, school clubs, businesses, families and even county detainees (under supervision). Local senior centers, fire departments, daycares, and church groups are also being encouraged to join the fun. So far, the layout for the tree plots is still being developed and will depend on the number of participants. 

“We’ll have a better outline plan once we get a better idea of how many it looks like are going to be entered,” said Maggie Dahl, fellow organizer and Superior Methodist Church member. Some trees may be pre-decorated and then finalized on-site, while others may be designed entirely in place. “Eastern Star will be doing a tree, and I expect it to be covered in stars,” said Anderson. “We want all types, and we want people to be able to drive by and enjoy them or get out and walk around to take a closer look.”

There’s no competition, no fee, and no fundraising. This first year is purely about celebrating community and creativity during the holidays. And yes, depending on weather, snow shovels might be needed, or the Methodist Design Team might have a plan for that, too. 

Join your community in sharing the light, beauty, hope, and joy of the season at this heartwarming new event. To register or get more information, call: Lynda Anderson at (406) 822-0278. Or Maggie Dahl at (406) 822-0027. Setup is Thursday, Dec. 18.