A group of IBEW Local 38 members and their families felt a sense of joy and goodwill as they volunteered their time on a recent Saturday morning to decorate downtown Cleveland’s Public Square for the upcoming Christmas season.

On Oct. 19, members of Local 38 used their electrical skills to transform Cleveland’s Public Square into a dazzling winter wonderland of holiday lights.

According to IBEW Local 38 President Mike Muzic, there were 120 total volunteers, about 25 more volunteers than in past years.

Local 38 Brothers and Sisters were joined by their friends, families and retirees to help brighten up the holidays for the thousands of area residents who make it a tradition to go downtown during the Christmas season and view the lights.

Muzic was thrilled with the turnout and said it was due to a combination of members who had volunteered in the past, and a large group of new apprentices who volunteered for the first time.

For decades, Local 38 members have cherished the tradition of decorating Public Square, making it a delightful part of the Local’s history.

“Our members are always there when they are called to help,” Muzic said. “They are always willing to give back to the community and contribute to the holiday spirit. The camaraderie we have while working on this project is something we all look forward to every year. To share it with our families makes it that much better.”

The event gives Local 38 members the opportunity to work with different Brothers and Sisters whom they may not normally work with on jobsites. This provides a chance for friends to catch up and tell stories while they inspect and hang the strings of lights.

The dry, sunny weather allowed temperatures to quickly climb from the high 40s to the upper 60s by noon, which helped the volunteers complete their work in just one day.

By the time the Local 38 volunteers wrapped up their work, Public Square was decked out in Christmas cheer and was one step closer to being ready for the Christmas season.

The hard work completed by Local 38 members, their families and friends, will shine for the first time during Winterland, Cleveland’s official Christmas lighting ceremony.

The public is invited to join the festivities on Public Square on Nov. 30, for a day filled with fun and celebration and are encouraged to stay for the evening entertainment. Santa and a host of beloved local holiday characters will also make special appearances.

The switch will be flipped to turn on the Christmas lights for the first time this holiday season at 6 p.m. A fireworks display will immediately follow the lighting ceremony.