Rain threatened to cancel first ever Dallas 'Deck the Plaza' event

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A Christmas tree lighting in Downtown Dallas still went on despite the threat of severe storms.

It’s been a while since the city of Dallas had an official tree lighting ceremony and it’s the first time City Hall Plaza was also lit up.

Friday night’s event went on as scheduled even though there was a tornado watch for the area. Luckily, everyone managed to stay dry and avoid the rain at the Deck the Plaza event.

With the looming threat of severe weather and even a tornado watch during part of the program, event organizers did prepare for the worst case scenario by watching local weather reports. They were ready to stop the event and have everyone take shelter in a nearby parking garage if needed.

“If there's a little storm that comes, we’ll just pause the program,” said organizer Frank Librio. “eople know to bring umbrellas and rain coats if they want to.

And while some came prepared, others just hoped for the best.

“Well if it’s gonna rain, it’s fine. I’ve got an umbrella,” said Yolanda Martinez. “It’s just a little water. It’s fine.”

“In my car, I have an umbrella, rain boots and a rain coat,” Brenda Jennings said. “But I didn’t bring them out because it’s so pretty right now.”

In Heath, the annual Holiday in the Park was moved indoors to Rockwall-Heath High School just to be safe. But they made the most of it with Christmas cookies and visits with Santa.

But in Dallas, the rain held off with enough time to light up the tree.

The holiday events continue this weekend with a parade through Downtown Dallas Saturday morning that steps off at 10 a.m. There will also be a tree lighting at Klyde Warren Park and a free concert and fireworks Saturday night at the AT&T Performing Arts Center.