12/23/2025
Bunker Hill Beautification Lights Up the Season with Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
Despite frigid temperatures, the spirit of the season was on full display at the annual Bunker Hill Beautification Christmas Tree Lighting, a beloved community tradition that once again brought residents together to celebrate holiday cheer, and youth involvement.
A highlight of the event was the participation of local schoolchildren, who decorated Christmas trees as part of a friendly competition designed to encourage community pride and artistic expression. This year’s Candyland theme inspired colorful, imaginative designs that transformed the area into a whimsical winter wonderland. The project was a true schoolwide effort, with the shop class designing and building the wooden cutouts and trees, while the art class brought them to life with paint. After community voting, the second-grade class was announced as the winner and received a monetary gift to support their classroom.
The evening featured a variety of festive activities, including horse-drawn carriage rides through town, visits with Santa Claus, and a selection of local vendors offering seasonal treats and gifts. Adding to the holiday atmosphere, carolers from Woodburn Bible Church, along with Elizabeth and Eleanor Golike, filled the air with classic Christmas music, bringing warmth and joy despite the bitter cold temperatures.
Organizers emphasized that events like the Christmas tree lighting require months of planning and countless volunteer hours. Without the dedication and hard work of community volunteers, the event would not be possible. Santa also volunteered his time and asked that we provide a donation to a local charity. Special recognition goes to Robert Vaughn, who goes above and beyond each year to ensure the town Christmas tree is beautifully decorated; Ervin Cable (Darryl Howard, Jaxon Jarden and Donnie O’dell) for generously donating trucks to assist with hanging the lights; the City of Bunker Hill helping to put up the tree along with providing trash cans; Alec and David Spickerman for removing snow; and Tod May, Brian Collins, and Chris Marquardt for their endless hours of help.
The Bunker Hill Beautification Committee would like to thank the following individuals and organizations for their generous support and participation:
Dave Schick and John Chapman for providing the fire pits; Jayne Baker for supplying the straw around them; Sally’s for opening and serving coffee and cookies; the United Community Bank for providing space for Santa and vendors; Red’s for hot dogs and drinks—Lord Licorice was a hit; The Bunkhouse for hot cocoa; VDI for playing along with the Candyland theme and for being featured on the map; the Post Office and SIHF for their participation; The Gazette for being open that evening and handing out maps; the Fire Department for opening their space to vendors and offering chili; Whitfield Tree Farm for providing trees for the community, including the town tree; and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary for the s’mores.
Bunker Hill Beautification is always looking for new volunteers and is currently searching for future Christmas trees. Anyone who has a tree in mind is encouraged to contact the Beautification Committee.
This years sponsors were:
All Type Hydraulics
United Community Bank
Country Financial
Madison Communications
Sage House
Sallys
Judy Schwallenstecker
Total Hair and Tan
Jase Media Service
Southlawn Shelter Care
Short Stop
Whitfield Insurance Agency
Kravanya
Bunker Hill Country Mart
