Town Hall tree lighting returns to brighten sky, spirits
Dec 5, 2021
As the crowd counted down from ten, the tree at Town Hall was illuminated. Photos by: Sandy Quadros Bowles
The gingerbread lady rocked out to some lively holiday songs.
Joe Costa and Heather Costa with their children Kayla Costa, 5, and Aydan Costa, 9.
Among those working at the booth for Conquerors for Christ Church were, from left, Timothy Marques, Ezequiel Silva, Gabriella Marques and Rebecca Marques.
From left, Melanie Perry, Ella Grace Perry and Anthony Perry enjoy the festivities.
From left, Isabel Rhilinger, Lexie Rhilinger, Kaylee King, Debbie Gonsalves and Brian Gonsalves.
“We’re back.’’
With two words, select board member Stanley Mickelson greeted the crowd Sunday, Dec. 5 and summarized the evening the community has waited two years to celebrate: The lighting of the Town Hall tree.
The lighting, which was preceded by distribution of treat bags and serving of hot chocolate, was not held last year because of Covid-19. This year, Recreation Director Tim Lancaster said, a few “tweaks’’ were made to keep those attending safe, including hosting all activities outside. In previous years, he said, some portions of the celebration took place indoors.
He hopes that will happen again next year, he said. “It’s great you folks came out,’’ he said.
As the crowd waited for the countdown to the tree being lit, they sang along with holiday favorites as they sipped hot beverages to fight the chill.
A star of the show was the Gingerbread Lady, who greeted enthusiastic children, took pictures with crowd members and danced along to music, both holiday staples such as “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree’’ and year round dance favorites including “Cotton Eye Joe.’’
“It’s a fun holiday event,’’ said Meaghan Olejarz. “It’s nice to have an outdoor activity this time of year.’’
“We want to see the tree lighting and get all the treats and see the gingerbread lady,’’ said Kim Cadieux.
Heather Costa has lived in town five years but never attended the tree lighting. “We decided to venture out and do it,’’ her husband Joe Costa said. “We love Christmas.’’
Based on an informal sampling of children in attendance, Santa may need to clear out some space on his sleigh for LOL dolls. At least three children said they hoped to see them under the tree.
Others gift choices include monster trucks, bicycles and a gift that all ages could appreciate: Amazon gift cards.
Getting presents is the best part of the holiday, an honest Aiden Levesque, 6, said. His second favorite holiday happening, he said, is “snow.’’
Mickelson urged residents who are in the midst of their own celebrations to remember families who are struggling and “can’t have a Christmas.’’
If residents wanted to donate toys or other gift items and didn’t know where to take them, Mickelson suggested bringing them to the select board office.
“I’ll find a home for it,’’ he said.
