Midway’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, anchored at the town hall and spilling into the town square, read like a velvet‑wrapped melodrama. The 50‑foot evergreen, decked in step‑and‑repeat red lights, was illuminated before a crowd of bemused locals, each clutching a candy bag of cinnamon bears and pretzels. MC Cary Hobbes, whose voice bored through the PA like a dry soufflé, commanded sing‑along renditions of “White Christmas” that fell flat against the backdrop of clattering coats. Serena Jones, 17, tried to rationalise the ritual, claiming it “still feels good” despite the glaring lack of nuance. Veterans such as Shane Owens recounted decades of fireworks, yet the spectacle now feels merely ceremonial. The guest list—mostly family‑centric Pe‑goers—offers little by way of star power. While Sundance traffic frustrates the half‑vigilants, these small‑town theatrics lack a cinematic punch. Verdict: Avoid the Main Street crush.