It already was a festive crowd, but people seemed impressed with the yet to be completed Joliet City Square.

“I think it’s awesome,” Kookie Countryman of Joliet said. “It’s about time to bring the downtown back.”

Countryman was among a group taking photos in front of the city Christmas tree in the Square on Friday.

They were among many people shooting photos ahead of the first Christmas tree-lighting in the unfinished City Square. The lighting preceded the annual holiday parade downtown, the main event for the Light Up the Holidays Festival and Parade.

[ PHOT0S: Joliet's Light Up the Holidays Tree Lighting Ceremony and Parade ]

Most of the Square remains fenced off and under construction before its expected opening April 1. Access was limited Friday. But brick pavers, stone planters, green artificial turf and pergolas with steel benches already are making an impression.

“It’s really nice,” said Savador Perez of Joliet, adding that he looks forward to the completion of the Square. “We can come downtown and enjoy something.”

Stephen Polcow of Channahon visits downtown Joliet for shows at the Rialto Square Theatre, located across Chicago Street from the Square.

“It’s better than the parking lot that was here before,” Polcow said of the Square. “I can’t wait until it’s finished. I’ll come here just to hang out.”

Among those seeing the Square for the first time was Darra Glavan, a lifelong Joliet resident who donated the tree awaiting to be lit for the festivities.

“I think it’s beautiful,” Glavan said of the Square. “I just can’t wait until it’s all done.”

Standing nearby, Mayor Terry D’Arcy had his own observation.

“It’s cool. Isn’t it?” D’Arcy said.