Christmas is in the air, especially at in Port Washington, where the tree now stands adorned with decorations.
Hundreds of families came out to the 14th Annual Port Washington Christmas Tree Lighting at the park late Sunday afternoon. The Christmas spirit abounded, with hymns, good wishes and a live nativity scene. Children picked ornaments to decorate the huge tree, which lit the sky with its majestic lights.
At the lighting, community members volunteered to portray Mary and Joseph to enact a live nativity scene and the three wise men. A group of children dressed as angels.
Santa Claus arrived with his helpers on a red fire engine from the , and hundreds of kids whispered their holiday wishes in Santa’s ears.
The yearly faith-based celebration has always been held in memory or Evelyn Faulk, a long-time Port Washington resident who passed away in October of 2008. Some local residents say they try not to miss the tree lighting.
“I have three kids, and I have been coming for four years and it’s just an amazing tradition in an amazing community,” said, Gina Trombley, who lives in Port Washington. “This event is about bringing the community together – what Christmas is really about.”
Alicia Bega and her five-year-old daughter Sylvia loved standing by the tree and taking photos. They both said that the tree lighting made them very happy.
“It is our first year here and we love it," Alicia Bega said. "we will definitely come back next year."
She added, "The tree is beautiful and Santa made my daughter very happy.”
