Before the tree lighting, shoppers visited various stores in downtown Escanaba’s business district throughout the day for Black Friday on Tuesday. Some of the stores that participated included Grab & Go, Lisa Ann Boutique, Nyman Jewelers, Pioneer TV and Appliance, T&T True Value Hardware and more.

Shoppers could be seen hopping in and out of limousines that provided rides down Ludington Street during the gloomy weather.

The 10-hour-long shopping event culminated in the city’s tree lighting at Center Court, 1025 Ludington St. The lights wrapped around the Christmas tree were illuminated at 7 p.m., with Ludington Street’s iconic hanging garlands following suit.

The large crowd clapped and cheered once the tree was officially lit.

Limousines provided shoppers with transporation on Ludington Street for Escanaba's Black Friday on Tuesday event. (Sophie Vogelmann | Daily Press)

“The number of people who showed up for the tree lighting was surprising considering the day-long rain that certainly could have dampened the holiday spirit,” said Craig Woerpel, Escanaba Downtown Development Authority director.

Attendees took pictures with Santa, who walked around to greet everyone, and listened to Christmas carols from members of Players de Noc. The children participating in Players de Noc’s upcoming play “The Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever” who were initially scheduled to sing carols could not make it.

“They (carolers) visited businesses, but I asked them to sing at the tree because the city band could not play because of the drizzle,” Woerpel said.

The tree was adorned with ornaments made by more than 100 third graders from the Escanaba Upper Elementary School. Each student will receive back their handmade ornament at the end of the season.

Carolers from Players de Noc sang "O Christmas Tree" and other carols before they counted down to Escanaba's tree lighting Tuesday. (Sophie Vogelmann | Daily Press)