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Another huge crowd at Warwick’s annual Christmas tree lighting and early Santa visit

Warwick. More than 500 residents attend Warwick’s official Christmas tree lighting.

Warwick NY /
| 02 Dec 2019 | 03:39
    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.
    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)
    It was on the cool side with temperatures in the mid thirties but nevertheless, on Friday evening, Nov. 29, another huge crowd, estimated at more than 500 residents, turned out for Warwick’s official Christmas tree lighting.
    It was on the cool side with temperatures in the mid thirties but nevertheless, on Friday evening, Nov. 29, another huge crowd, estimated at more than 500 residents, turned out for Warwick’s official Christmas tree lighting. ( Roger Gavan)
    Before the tree lighting, student members of the Treble Choir and some members of the Meistersingers treated the audience to a selection of traditional Christmas songs.
    Before the tree lighting, student members of the Treble Choir and some members of the Meistersingers treated the audience to a selection of traditional Christmas songs. ( Roger Gavan)
    And once again, Santa, traveling in a modern fire apparatus, made his usual early surprise visit and handed out goodies to the excited children who lined up to greet him.
    And once again, Santa, traveling in a modern fire apparatus, made his usual early surprise visit and handed out goodies to the excited children who lined up to greet him. ( Roger Gavan)
    Cruz, 4, has the best seat in the house on the shoulders of his mom, Samantha Eschmann.
    Cruz, 4, has the best seat in the house on the shoulders of his mom, Samantha Eschmann. ( Roger Gavan)

It was on the cool side with temperatures in the mid thirties but nevertheless, on Friday evening, Nov. 29, another huge crowd, estimated at more than 500 residents, turned out for Warwick’s official Christmas tree lighting.

The annual event, enjoyed by everyone, especially parents, grandparents and children, 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, student members of the Treble Choir and some members of the Meistersingers treated the audience to a selection of traditional Christmas songs.

Warwick Fire Department President Melissa Stevens then welcomed visitors and introduced guest speakers.

Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton and Mayor Michael Newhard each welcomed everyone to the beginning of the holiday season and praised the men and praised the men and women of the Fire Department for their service throughout the year. They both wished everyone a Merry Christmas.

Stevens then led the crowd in the traditional countdown to the tree lighting.

And once again, Santa, traveling in a modern fire apparatus, 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