Zach Boyd, a local 11-year-old battling cancer, will be the one to flip the switch on the Hopkinsville Christmas tree Friday night to officially kick-off the holidays.
According to a news release, Zach was the overwhelming choice to light the tree through the nomination call sent out by the Parks and Recreation Department on social media. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in March, Boyd has shown true fighting spirit during his many treatments, exemplifying the meaning of the spirit of Christmas.
City officials have transitioned to a live Christmas tree in Little River Park for this year’s lighting ceremony. The Leyland Cypress was planted in Little River Park by the City Grounds Department in 2016 with the intention of it becoming the official city tree for the holiday season. The tree has been nurtured and is now 22 feet tall. The cypress will be adorned by over 2,200 lights when turned on by Zach Friday night.
Zach’s mother, Laurel Lunte says, “We’re all excited. Lighting the community Christmas tree is obviously something that we’ve not done before. We are all honored that Zach was selected. With everything he has been through, it’s good to have him experience some joy. It will be incredible for him.”