The iconic Four Tops will be the headlining act at this year’s tree lighting ceremony, and Duke Fakir, the group’s last remaining original member, still looking good as he looks forward to celebrating his 80th birthday the day after Christmas, says he is both thrilled and proud to be a part of the event.
“That’s another one of those great traditions that I really love,” he said. “It’s like opening the door to the holidays and that holiday spirit. ..It’s really an honor to be a part of anything that is so magical to the city. And I just want people to know how much we still really love our city.”
When asked how the Four Tops were chosen for the honor, Fakir laughed and said, “I don’t know, and I don’t care.The important thing is we were chosen.”
DTE Energy Foundation will present its annual gift to the City of Detroit, a 60-foot-tall, Michigan–grown Norway Spruce decorated with more than 19,000 twinkling, energy-efficient, multi-colored LED lights and shiny ornaments during the 12th annual Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony and entertainment show at Campus Martius Park on Friday, November 20. Activities begin at 5 p.m., with the Salvation Army Red Kettle lighting at 6 p.m., followed by an hour and half Tree Lighting Ceremony and show and the official iHeart Radio Rink Opening Party from 9 p.m. to midnight. There will also be complimentary hot chocolate at the DTE Energy Foundation tent and cinnamon rolls in the IKEA warming tent.
“DTE Energy Foundation is delighted to sponsor Detroit’s official Christmas tree for the 12th year – every year since the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony started. This festive and beautiful holiday attraction draws thousands of families and visitors downtown and provides an opportunity to showcase all the wonderful progress in the city of Detroit. It is one of the most special ways we show our appreciation to the communities we serve, and it is a pleasure to know we are helping to create lasting memories for all Detroiters,” said Faye Alexander Nelson, vice president, Public Affairs, DTE Energy, and president of the DTE Energy Foundation.
- Besides the Four Tops, other headliners include iconic Detroit Motown stars the Four Tops, former world champion and six-time U.S. national champion skater Todd Eldredge, nationally recognized United Voices of Detroit, Michigan Opera Theatre Soloist Angela Theis and Detroit favorite Karen Newman.
- Musical entertainment also features Larry Lee & The Back In The Day Band and a special performance from Emily Sobeck, a Make-A-Wish Michigan wish kid.
- Current and future national and world stars perform on the Campus Martius Rink including skaters from Detroit Skating Club; Dearborn Figure Skating Club’s nationally recognized synchronized skating team, the Crystalettes; Arctic Figure Skating Club; Creative Edge Exhibition Team; and the University of Michigan Figure Skating Club.
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