A holiday tradition continued Saturday. After a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hundreds of Rochesterians came downtown to watch the lighting of the Liberty Pole at the corner of Main, Franklin and East Avenue.
Drag queen Kasha Davis lit the pole in place of Mayor James Smith who is recovering from COVID-19.
“This such a wonderful honor. I’m so grateful to be here,” said Davis. “I moved here in 1999 and started performing as Mrs. Davis 2004 and I can’t believe it.”
It was cold and windy but Tina Mercado and her family had a blast. She said they came for a taste a normal
“It’s a tradition.” said Mercado. “Every year we come to the lighting. And every year we walk with the parade down to Manhattan Square.”
happening now in downtown Rochester! pic.twitter.com/njusMbzkfr
— y-James A. Brown (@jamesbrowntv) December 4, 2021
After the lighting the Mercados, Santa, New Orleans Jazz band Prime Time Bass and hundreds of others stopped at Javas on Gibbs Street for an impromptu concert before marching to Roc Holiday Village.
Mayor Smith is expected back at City Hall Monday.