Cleveland’s Public Square is undergoing a massive renovation, so the city’s tree lighting was moved to Playhouse Square this year.
Let’s travel back to 1994, with the help of WEWS reporter Joe Pagonakis, to celebrate Christmas where it was meant to be celebrated in Cleveland: Public Square.
Pagonakis treats us to the sights and sounds of the downtown Cleveland tradition set to poetry and does an admirable job. He tells us 1994 marks the 47th year for the Public Square lighting.
But Pagonakis gives way to the star of the show - Santa. The jolly fat man arrives through a shower of sparks. He uses his magical powers to light the Square by throwing bolts of fireworks to the displays. Saint Nick even has time to mug for our WEWS camera.
While Playhouse Square is a wonderful temporary location, I’m looking forward to Public Square being completed and Santa’s 2016 return.
As a holiday treat, click here to see Cleveland Christmas celebrations in 1960, including Johnny Mathis on hand to greet Public Square revelers and the Sterling-Lindner Christmas tree.
