On the cold snowy evening of Dec. 1, Village leaders and a handful of onlookers gathered in the usual area to light the village holiday tree with strands of colorful lights.

This year’s event, though, was different: a holiday season in the midst of a pandemic. Unlike in years past, there were no crowds, no warm embraces with neighbors and no warm beverages courtesy of Dino’s Cappuccinos. To bring the event to the homes of would-be revelers, the Village of Yellow Springs livestreamed the tree lighting on the Village’s Facebook page.

Pictured from left, are Village Council president Brian Housh, Councilperson Marianne MacQueen, Director of Public Works Johnnie Burns, Village Manager Josué Salmerón, Miami Township Fire-Rescue Chief Colin Altman, Village Mayor Pam Conine, Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce Interim Director Alexandra Scott and, streaming and taking the group photo, Village Marketing and Communications Coordinator Phillip O’Rourke.

(Photo by Reilly Dixon)