Before Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke counted down the final seconds of his city’s Tumbleweed Tree lighting Dec. 6, he promised big things in the weeks and even the full year ahead.

In addition to promoting some Chandler activities and events this month, Hartke said many events of the next year will have a common theme: celebrating the U.S.’s 250th birthday.

“The red, white and blue lights on our tree are just a small preview of the way Chandler plans on celebrating America in the year ahead,” Hartke told the A.J. Chandler Park crowd.

“Through next December, Chandler will have activities, programs, exhibits and many more ways to celebrate this milestone.”

The tree will be lit nightly through Sunday, Jan. 4, providing an opportunity for visitors and residents alike to take photos with fami

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