“It makes it cheerful.” Houston lights up for the holidays

Houston launched a new holiday tradition this year with it’s first-ever community Christmas decorating lighting, sponsored by the Houston Fire Department, the City of Houston, and the Houston Fire Auxiliary.

The idea came, as they often do, from friendly conversation along with the realization that Houston Fire Department (HFD) has never been decorated for the holidays, and the Houston FD Wayside Park, which sits adjacent to the HFD Station 9-1 on Armstrong Road could use some sparkle and color.

Coordinators asked for donations and extra decorations to help brighten up a normally dark section of the Parks Highway in Houston, and residents responded, donating lights, animatronic reindeer, and one man planned to donate an inflatable holiday fish to round out the decorations.

“Who doesn’t love holiday lights and decorations? This is great,” said Mayor Jason Kahn, adding that Christmas lights are something that everyone loves to see, breaking up the darkness of the winter and adding some joy, as he and Deputy Mayor Dan Lewis strung up lights at the park. “It makes it cheerful.”

Of course, there was a Grinch on hand to try and disrupt the fun, though the green meanie appeared to be unsuccessful as lights and decorations were strung up all about the park and HFD.

“This is simply wonderful,” said Starla Brewer, who was helping to decorate the park.