Operation Light Up Downtown is in Full Swing. Merchants: Do You Have Your Trees Lit?

The Mill Valley Chamber is pleased to help promote this Season’s Light Up Mill Valley Downtown Program, encouraging local business owners to decorate their sidewalk trees.

This year, the Chamber has purchased hundreds of lights to donate to merchants, hoping to inspire them to light their curb appeal.

"Our goal is to have the most trees lit, ever," said Chamber Director Daniel Escalzo, "This project is one part of our downtown beautification, aiming to have people collaborate and come together."

Escalzo extends a huge thank you to Margritha Fliegauf of Alain Pinel Realtors, who he says has devoted much time to volunteering, again, in order to make Mill Valley festive this holiday season for local shoppers and visitors alike.
  
A little light history
Americans have been documented decorating homes with Christmas lights since the 17th century, when candles were glued with melted wax to a tree branch or attached by pins. Around 1890, candleholders were first used for Christmas candles and between 1902 and 1914, small lanterns and glass balls to hold the candles started to be used.

Originally considered a publicity stunt by newspapers, the first known electrically illuminated Christmas tree was the creation of Edward H. Johnson, an associate of inventor Thomas Edison. As vice president of an electric company he had Christmas tree bulbs made especially for him. On Dec. 22, 1882, he proudly displayed his illuminated tree, which was hand wired with 80 red, white and blue incandescent light bulbs the size of walnuts at his Fifth Avenue, New York home. 

A Detroit newspaper reporter recognized the significance of what he had accomplished, creating Johnson's image as the Father of electric Christmas tree lights.

Note to merchants, if you are unable to hang the lights, the Chamber has lined up contacts who can hang them for you at a nominal charge.

Residents: What is your favorite Holiday Tradition in Mill Valley?