A frigid, blustery Monday night did not stop spectators from gathering for one of South Burlington’s newer and more unique holiday traditions: the lighting of the whales’ tails along Interstate 89 in Technology Park.

“We have never officially invited anybody. But last year I went out and took some pictures, then thought, ‘You know what, we should have everybody come and open it up to the community,’ because it’s kind of fun,” said Heather Illick, public relations Manager for ReArch, a real-estate design and development company based in the park.

“With it snowing, we got sleds,” she added.

The work of Vermont sculptor Jim Sardonis, the tails were masterfully carved from a 36-ton slab of African granite in 1989. Formally titled “Reverence,” the piece depicts two ancient residents of the Champlain Valley diving into asea of grass, serving as powerful symbols of the fragility of the planet, according to the artist’s statement.

Technology Park Partners purchased Reverence in 1999 and moved the tails from their original installation in Randolph to the prominent spot along busy I-89 where thousands of motorists pass by each day.

Tenants of Technology Park have enjoyed seasonal lighting ceremonies for the past four years. This holiday season, they decided to invite community members from outside of the park.

The sleds definitely came in handy for the informal ceremony early last week, just after dusk.

People started off gathered in the Technology Park’s office atrium, sipping hot chocolate and coffee and waiting for a signal from Illick to head outside.

The sleds added to the already bubbly atmosphere. Children clambered for them as their parents made sure every head was capped and each hand was gloved. Once the small crowd of about 15 was ready, Illick led them out toward the iconic 12-to-13-foot tails as an icy wind blew at their backs.

One-by-one, the bundled spectators summited the sculpture hill and at the top, they formed a ring around Reverence.

They waited as the groundskeeper in charge of the lighting led a brief countdown similar to New Year’s Eve.

When the crowd’s collective voice shouted “one,” the tails were electrified -- instantly illuminating the hill for sledding.

In groups of twos and even threes, kids squeezed onto the sleds and glided down the snowy slope.

The adults supervised and took pictures with the glowing tails towering in the background.

And while the tails can be seen for miles around, eagle-eyed passersby on the highway that night may have noticed the small sledding party marking the occasion.

The tails will remain decked and lit for the holiday season through New Year’s, according to Illick. The tails again light up the night in the summertime when the grounds staff wraps them with strings of red, white and blue lights for Independence Day.