YES GIRDWOOD, THERE IS A CHRISTMAS TREE

The Girdwood/Turnagain Arm Lions Club flipped the switch at 6 p.m. Friday signaling the advent of the 2025 holiday season.    (Photo by Brooks Chandler)

By Brooks Chandler

TNews Board of Directors

Clark Griswold himself would have smiled as the Girdwood/Turnagain Arm Lions Club flipped the switch at 6 p.m. Friday signaling the advent of the 2025 holiday season.    

Lights artfully arrayed amongst the branches of a stately spruce gleamed through a light fog in downtown Girdwood.   The lighting ceremony followed a robust round of Christmas carols accompanied by pounds of cookies and hot chocolate.  The sugar consumption season has also begun!

Lions Club president Heather Durtschi said the tree lighting was coordinated by a club committee including, Seth and Wendy Beaubien, Heather. Durtschi and Kathy Trautner. 

Heather Durtschi explained this was a true community effort.  The Ski Inn graciously allowed use of the tree.  The Turnagain Community Health Clinic is donating electricity.  Kiana Putman of Light it Up provided installation services.  Multiple Lions Club members baked the treats. 

As Girdwood enters the darker time of the year every light is good for our souls.  Should this location prove popular, the Christmas tree may shine in years to come.

Additionally, a snow man adorns the festive site. (Photo by Brooks Chandler)