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Large crowd enjoys Warwick's annual Christmas Tree lighting and early Santa visit

| 01 Dec 2016 | 06:19
    Photos by Roger Gavan The Historical Society of the Town of Warwick has helped the Warwick Fire Department continue its long tradition by graciously providing the magnificent evergreen, just outside its Old School Baptist MeetingHouse.
    Photos by Roger Gavan The Historical Society of the Town of Warwick has helped the Warwick Fire Department continue its long tradition by graciously providing the magnificent evergreen, just outside its Old School Baptist MeetingHouse.
    Before the tree lighting, students involved in the Warwick Valley High School Chorus Program treated the audience to a selection of traditional Christmas songs.
    Before the tree lighting, students involved in the Warwick Valley High School Chorus Program treated the audience to a selection of traditional Christmas songs.
    Barry O'neil and his grandson Tim, 2.
    Barry O'neil and his grandson Tim, 2.
    Santa was happy to pose for photos with children and families like Pauls and Melissa Maass with their daughter Leila Jane, 6 months.
    Santa was happy to pose for photos with children and families like Pauls and Melissa Maass with their daughter Leila Jane, 6 months.

WARWICK — It had been raining that day but by 6 p.m. the rain had stopped and the temperature was comfortable.
And so on Friday, Nov. 25, a large crowd, estimated between 200 and 300 residents, turned out for Warwick's official Christmas tree-lighting.
The annual event was sponsored by the Warwick Volunteer Fire Department. And volunteers and members of the Fire Department Auxiliary were also on hand to serve free hot chocolate.
Before the tree lighting, students involved in the Warwick Valley High School Chorus Program treated the audience to a selection of traditional Christmas songs.
Warwick Fire Department Assistant Chief Phil Cialella then welcomed visitors and introduced guest speakers.
Fire Department Chaplain Rev. Jack Arlotta offered an invocation, which was followed by brief remarks by Mayor Michael Newhard and Warwick Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton, both of whom praised the men and women of the Fire Department for their service throughout the year and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
Cialella then led the crowd in the traditional countdown to the tree lighting.
Once again, Santa, traveling in a fire truck, made his usual early surprise visit and handed out goodies to the excited children who lined up to greet him.
In 2003, the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony moved to Lewis Park after years of being held at "Railroad Green."
Since that time the Historical Society of the Town of Warwick has helped the Warwick Fire Department continue its long tradition by graciously providing the magnificent evergreen, just outside its Old School Baptist MeetingHouse.
- Roger Gavan