Brian Niccum, owner of JB Landscaping, was born and raised in Stroud and wanted to give back to his community in the form of a new tradition.
In the lot behind Sooner Motel on Main Street, JB Landscaping is hosting the first Tree Lighting Saturday, Dec. 12 starting at 5 p.m., with the tree lighting at 7 p.m.
“It’s the first time we have done this,” Niccum said.
Throughout the evening there will be games, music, food, Christmas items for purchase. and Christmas characters walking around including Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, Elves, Frosty the Snowman and the Grinch.
“There will also be a table where you can decorate your own ornament, put the year and your name on it and then hang it on the tree,”he said. “We will save it till next year and hang it again.”
Niccum said the event is free to get in.
“I have an amazing team beside me and I know we can get this done and hopefully bring a little Christmas spirit back to Stroud,” he said.
Niccum said he remembers as a kid loading up in the car and driving around Stroud looking at all the Christmas lights.
“Everybody did it,” he said. “Like it was always a competition.”
Niccum said this year there’s not many lights up.
“This year has just been a hard year for everybody in general and I just wanted to do something, or start something, that people could look forward to,” he said. “I know the virus still exists but if we can make people forget for at least one night and just have a good time I think that’s better than anything else.”