The holiday season will be brought to light Nov. 30 at the third annual Light Up Night at Diamond Park on Main Street.

While Santa lighting a Christmas tree standing in Diamond Park is certainly enough to kick-start the holidays, this Light Up Night will have a deeper meaning.

The tree will be decorated to honor residents affected by cancer.

Leeann Cramer, a volunteer with the American Cancer Society and president of the Butler Relay for Life, is in her third year of organizing Light Up Night along with her husband, Kevin Cramer.

She said the tree will be decorated with purple ribbons in memory and support of those with cancer.

Money raised from the $10 ribbons will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

Cramer said she is happy to have an opportunity to raise hundreds of dollars to help the fight against cancer through the event.

On top of that, Cramer said it is a good way to start the season in the community.

“It's a nice thing to have in the city,” she said. “People can look forward to a special tradition, and it gives the kids something exciting to see at night.”

Cramer said Santa will light the tree about 7 p.m. following the Christmas parade downtown.

The event also will feature fire performers Sirkus Dayz and the dancing group Shakin Bacon Cloggers.

Mayor Maggie Stock said Light Up Night is a unique event that brings the community together.

“It's a great way to start off the holiday season,” she said.

The lighting of the Christmas tree also will follow Butler Downtown's Small Business Saturday.

Chelynne Curci, the Main Street manager for the program, said Small Business Saturday is a nationwide initiative to get people to shop at locally owned stores the day after Black Friday.

Curci said Light Up Night accompanies the initiative well.

“It will be a great opportunity for our downtown businesses,” she said. “November 30th should be a great day for downtown.”

Michael Monday, co-owner of Monday's shoes on North Main Street, is one of the businesses owners looking forward to the day.

“It's a very important day for us,” he said.

Monday, who owns the store with his cousin Henry Monday Jr., said Small Business Saturday in particular has been a big boost to shops downtown.

“Every year it gains more and more momentum,” he said. “People are coming in and saying they want to support small businesses.”

Monday said Light Up Night and Small Business Saturday were just two examples of revitalization of Main Street.

“The future of downtown is bright with a lot of new stuff coming,” he said. “And we'll be part of it.”

Robert Emigh, the owner of Robert Stephens Custom Jewelers on Main Street, said the day is important for the downtown, but added shopping local should not be a one-day event.

“I sure hope it does impact business downtown,” he said. “But it's important to be here every day throughout the year.”

For information on Light Up Night or to buy a purple ribbon for the tree, visit www.butlerlightupnight.com.