Residents enjoy Warwick's Annual Christmas Tree lighting

Warwick - Warwick citizens always come out in droves for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony even when it’s cold, pouring rain or snowing. And Friday evening, Nov. 27, was no exception. Although the night was windy with temperatures on the cool side, a large crowd of parents, grandparents and children bundled up and came out of their warm homes to participate in the countdown for the tree lighting. The annual event is sponsored by the Warwick Volunteer Fire Department. Before the lighting, members of the Warwick Middle School “Choraleers” treated the audience to a selection of traditional Christmas songs. Then Warwick Fire Chief Greg Snigur welcomed the visitors and thanked those members of the Department who volunteered their time and skills preparing for the annual event. Mayor Michael Newhard urged his fellow citizens to support the community, volunteer and be generous as he wished everyone, “the happiest and holiest holiday season.” Warwick Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton thanked the men and women of the Fire Department and the people who braved the cold weather to attend the celebration in a true holiday spirit. “Merry Christmas to everybody,” he said. Rev. Chris Yount, chaplain of the Warwick Fire Department and pastor of Warwick’s United Methodist Church, reminded his audience about the first Thanksgiving and how the settlers and the Native Americans in this area were able to live in peace for 50 years after that celebration. He then led the crowd in prayer just moments before the official countdown and tree lighting. Once again Santa made his usual early surprise visit, this year in a vintage fire engine, and handed out goodies to the excited children who lined up to greet him. In 2003, the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony returned to Lewis Park after years of being held at what was then a privately owned “Railroad Green.” Since that time the Historical Society of the Town of Warwick has helped the Warwick Fire Department continue its tradition by graciously providing the magnificent evergreen, just outside its Old School Baptist MeetingHouse. The annual event traditionally marks the beginning of the local holiday season.