KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO) it’s been a Black Friday tradition longer than there has been a black Friday.  The City of Kalamazoo will stage their annual tree lighting ceremony Friday evening in Bronson Park.

Last year a snafu in the rewiring of the park had made it impossible to actually switch the lights on all at once, and the lights were already on when the crowds arrived.  

They will stage the annual reading of “Twas the night before Christmas” and the Skeletones will lead the crowd in carols.   Santa will make his annual appearance and meet with the kids afterwards.  Folks are encouraged to bring canned goods for food pantries and holiday food drives.   It gets underway at 7 p.m.  Portage will hold their annual tree lighting ceremony a week from Saturday.