ROCHESTER, N.Y. — ​Like so many things affected by the pandemic this year, many of Rochester’s holiday events have been affected by coronavirus. But there’s one longstanding downtown tradition which will continue.  

For many of us, the year 2020 has brought more darkness than light. That includes the holidays.

"I like seeing people get into the holiday spirit," said Tony Scott of Rochester. "You don’t see lights. When you go down the street, you don’t see lights like that anymore."

Because of the pandemic, many of Rochester’s holiday traditions are on hold this year. But towering above the city skyline, there is one building, where one man is making sure there is light this year.

Ed Matuck is chief engineer at Five Star Bank Plaza, where since the building opened more than a half-century ago, a series of lights from the 10th floor to the 20th floor make up a Christmas tree design which lights up over the city skyline.  

"This has been a tradition since before the building opened in 1969," said Matuck.

During construction, someone came up with the idea to wire the circuits for the lights and hide the fixtures in the vents. Workers used to have to check every night to make sure the bulbs didn’t burn out. Now, they use LED's. The Christmas tree lights up the east and west sides of the high-rise building.

"It’s something that we wouldn't miss," said Matuck. "And of course been carrying it and for decades now."

If there was ever a year that could use a little holiday cheer, it’s this one.

"I mean, who wouldn’t it brighten up?" said Scott. "Unless you’re scrooge."

There are some things 2020 can't take away.

"We’ll always keep the tradition going," said Matuck.