Every year I look forward to the tree lighting or lighting celebrations in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park. The crowds at each of these gatherings I’ve attended were very large and the energy was positively vibrating in our Larimer County downtowns. Other wonderful traditions and unique community gatherings are the holiday parades in Lyons, Berthoud, and Wellington. Each municipality and associated business organizations work very hard to highlight local, small businesses and engage the youth in our communities. Usually at these events, there is an opportunity to give back to our community.