November 18th, 2021 by WCBC Radio

A year after the pandemic wiped out a number of traditional holiday celebrations in Cumberland- all systems are go for the return of the tree lighting ceremony and the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. Downtown Development Commission Executive Director Melinda Kelleher, during this month’s regular meeting,  made the announcement. In 2021, the city’s  tree lighting ceremony had to be conducted virtually; while the ball drop on New Year’s Eve was canceled.  Both are planned as live, in-person events this year with the tree lighting set for next Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.  As usual there will be numerous festivities taking place as part of the tree lighting ceremony to coordinate with the arrival of Santa Clause. Melinda says that with COVID-19 still an issue-  kids won’t be able to sit on his lap- however Santa will be available for pictures…

While it was been decided that the New Year’s Eve ball drop will return this year- some of those details are  still being worked out…