Snow Adds to Spirit of Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

With the first snow of the season adding to the holiday spirit, hundreds gathered for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Port Washington Sunday.

With the first flakes of the season came hundreds of slightly-dusted adults and children gathered in Blumenfeld Family Park for the 4:30 p.m. start just as a brass brass band struck up a Christmas tune.

The event included the story, music and joy of Christmas with a list of carols sung by a volunteer choir and residents who sang along. The song list included: Oh, Come, Away in A Manger; It Came Upon A Midnight Clear; Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem; Angels We Have Heard on High; The First Noel; Oh, Come, Emmanuel; We Three Kings; Joy to the World; Silent Night; and Oh, Come All Ye Faithful.

Free refreshments helped to warm event goers to the 16th annual event which came complete with angels, a live nativity scene and a countdown to the lighting of the tall evergreen just off of Main Street.

The Rev. Stuart Huntley from St. Stephens Church in Port Washington was a guest speaker at the event, put together each year by the Christmas Tree Lighting Committee which meets throughout the year to plan the event.

At the conclusion of ceremony, Santa and Mrs. Clause came to town riding a local fire engine. The couple were greeted by a long line of children lined up near the tree to make their Christmas wish list known to the silver-bearded one dressed in red.