Last
Sunday droves of citizens made their way to the Windham Public Safety Building
where for the second year Windham held its second annual tree lighting
ceremony. According to the stretch of vehicles parked along both sides of Gray
Road, it was evident that this year surpassed the previous attendance.
The
activities began at 5 p.m. with caroling, compliments of Windham Primary School
music teacher Nancy Cash-Cobb, who led the third grade chorus in numerous
popular Christmas carols much to the crowd’s approval, while they waited for
that magical moment when the tree would come to life.
“Cash-Cobb
has been teaching at the Primary School many, many years. Some of these adults
probably had her as a teacher from what I understand,” said parks and recreation
director Linda Brooks.
“We
had a great time and were honored to be asked back again. The students looked
forward to the opportunity and were very excited. I am proud of the way they
sang and their stage presence. The Windham recreation department and library
did a fabulous job with crafts, goodies, hot chocolate and, of course, Santa,”
commented Cash-Cobb.
Meanwhile,
inside the safety building people had also gathered to enjoy refreshments and
for a bit of warmth complete with plenty of conversation, much of which took
place in the long line of children waiting to visit with Mr. and Mrs. Santa
Claus.
Outside,
the holiday music continued to play via a sound system following the lighting
of the tree. In the background, a decorated fire truck attracted all ages. But
while every year these fire trucks are decked out with wreaths, donated by
Staples Farm, this year introduced the presence of the South Windham Fire Department
Emergency Response Truck. Its arrival was timely and difficult to miss, as
department members had cleverly decorated it with colorful lights to mimic what
appeared to be a sleigh and was carrying the Claus family.
Amy
Carter, wife of Windham fire rescue captain Alfred Carter was also there
helping out and shared, “This is much more successful than last year.
Approximately 300 showed up then and we didn’t expect that, so we didn’t know
what to expect. So this year we prepared and planned a little bit more. This
year there is more decorations, more food and crafts for the kids.” One of the
crafts and most popular was a marshmallow challenge where the object was to
build the tallest free standing tower. The food pantry was also there taking
donations for families in town. “It’s awesome! It’s been great,” continued
Carter.
The
hope was for this year’s annual lighting was to make this a bigger and better
event. It came to fruition as an estimated 400 to 500 people attended and next
year promises to be even more successful.
Raymond
kicked off the 2016 Christmas season Sunday with its 18th annual
tree lighting ceremony at Raymond Public Library. The event was sponsored by
the Raymond Lions Club. Spokesman Robert Fey was quick to point out they had a
lot of help.
“It’s
a small hometown affair, but a very significant one that happens in this community
every year.” He said help and participation came from many segments of the
community. The tree is donated each year by Bob Paine, who runs a Christmas
tree farm on Raymond Hill Road; a volunteer drove a Central Maine Power bucket
truck to deliver, install and string lights on the tree; the Raymond Elementary
School Chorus under the direction of Patti Gordan performed songs of the
season; the Raymond Public Library trustees and staff hosted the event,
including the reading of favorite children’s stories prior to the lighting
ceremony; and Santa arrived aboard a Raymond fire truck.
“Ho,
Ho, Ho! Oh my, we have quite a turnout here tonight, don’t we,” bellowed Santa
as the first of many young revelers climbed onto his knee. Ayla Harris, 6, of
Naples told the merry, plump man she was hoping for “a stuffed animal unicorn”
for Christmas.
