The Brief
• Peter’s Biergarten hosted the Light Up Downtown event featuring a 17-foot tree lighting by the Winona Fire Department
• The Winona Area Chamber of Commerce organized the community gathering to promote downtown businesses and bring residents together
• Minnesota State College Southeast students created holiday decorations for the celebration
WINONA, Minn. (WKBT) — The Winona community gathered at Peter’s Biergarten Thursday evening for the annual Light Up Downtown event, marking the official start of the holiday season.
The Winona Fire Department lit a 17-foot tree at the biergarten on East 3rd Street. The event featured hot cider and a Santa appearance for families.
“This isn’t just a holiday event. This is really a hometown moment,” said Christie Ransom, president and CEO of the Winona Area Chamber of Commerce. “This is a special way for us to bring the community together, to kick off the holiday season, and to help promote our downtown corridor, which is really a special part of Winona we’re really proud of.”
Students from Minnesota State College Southeast created holiday decorations for the event.
The tree lighting ceremony took place at 6 p.m., with the Chamber of Commerce organizing the event to support local businesses and create community connections during the holiday season.
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