ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – A 16-year-old from Escanaba has been bringing Christmas cheer to his community for a decade. He is already hard at work preparing for this year’s festivities.
Every November since he was 6, Carter McDonough has decorated a tree in his front yard for a now-beloved holiday tradition.
“It started with me going to the Escanaba tree lighting,” he said. “I wanted to do my own, so my dad suggested we do it for the Delta County Sheriff’s Department Shop With a Cop program.”
His homemade tree is about 25 feet tall, with a glowing snowflake placed on top. It takes more than a thousand lights to make it light up the holiday nights, so Carter and his family start setting up the display early.
“It’s stored in the backyard,” he said. “My grandpa has a forklift, so we grab that and grab the trampoline base, drive that up here, and then we have to buy all new lights for whatever ones are broken.”
Carter’s 10th Annual Tree Lighting is scheduled for November 29 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. It has become quite the fun-filled event over the years.
“[The tree] gets lit up at about 6:45,” said Carter. “We’ll have auctions, raffles, snacks and drinks, photos with Santa, fire trucks, and then photos with the Grinch.”
What started as a small tradition now draws a crowd of 150 – 250 people every year.
“I think it’s crazy,” Carter said. “This whole street is full of cars, and it’s nice seeing everyone have fun with Santa. Everyone’s happy when the tree is lit up.”
All of those people come ready to support the children who will benefit from the local Shop With a Cop program.
“The average is about $5,000 that we do each year,” said Carter. “Last year, we did $3,500, and the year before we did $8,500.”
Carter says his tree lighting is an exciting way to kick off the holiday season. Delta County’s continued generosity ensures kids in their community will have a very merry Christmas.
“I think everyone should have a good Christmas,” Carter said. “People who are less fortunate who can’t really afford a good Christmas should be able to have one.”
Carter’s 10th Annual Tree Lighting will take place at 5017 View 17.5 Drive in Escanaba. For full event details, click here.
