Oxford gets in the holiday spirit
By Jeanie Petersen
Correspondent
OXFORD – Rain is quite often thought of as a symbol for ‘new beginnings’ which ties in nicely with the start of the holiday season, as this year’s annual “Holiday Tree Lighting on the Park,” held Nov. 30, was rather “moist.” Despite the precipitation, the gathering was still delightful. There was an inspiring choir, Santa, cookies and smiles everywhere, even if they were under umbrellas. It showed more holiday spirit than ever!
The honorable Oxford Village Mayor, Terry Stark, donned his formal top hat, welcomed a very dedicated crowd of about 65 community members. Mayor Stark thanked everyone for coming out and gave a special thank you to Jim Baldwin and the Oxford Lions Club for providing the gingerbread cottage-sound system that was being used.
High School vocal director Michael Moren had his chorus student volunteers lead the sing-along of traditional Christmas carols. There was a pause for the announcement of the primary school winners of the Recycled Holiday Ornament Contest by Mayor Stark, followed by more singing.
This year there was a special ceremony for the grand illumination of the LaFayette Park Christmas tree. Three lucky “honorary tree lighters” were selected by Tim McDonald, the Primary School principal, to become part of the program. Those students, Madelyn and Benson McGillicuddy and Gillian Mulder, came up on the band stand. Mike Moren got everyone to join in the countdown, “… five, four, three, two, one.” The kids threw a special red and green switch, and the tree sparkled with lights! The crowd cheered heartily and sang, “O Christmas Tree.”
The Holiday Committee’s festive display of twinkling lights created a magical backdrop for the jolly man in the red suit, Santa Claus, who appeared when everyone was singing “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” He had a big sack filled with candy canes to give to every child. Despite the wet conditions, children waited on line as usual to see Santa and he patiently listened to every wish.
The wonderful sights, sounds and tastes of holiday good-cheer were everywhere.
Trying to keep the refreshments dry, members of the Holiday Decorating Committee served hot chocolate and Steve and Sherry Behe made and served their famous hot mulled cider. Members of the Oxford Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Eastern Star, and the Oxford Grange #894 delivered hundreds of home-baked cookies.
It all seemed like an effortless extravaganza due to all who shared in the preparations. Thanks from the Oxford Holiday Committee, go out to the many hands of the community that joined in the effort that made this a spirited, joyous event.
To see more pictures, visit the OxfordNY.com “discussion” board. Look under “Community Service Organizations” for this post.
Correspondent
OXFORD – Rain is quite often thought of as a symbol for ‘new beginnings’ which ties in nicely with the start of the holiday season, as this year’s annual “Holiday Tree Lighting on the Park,” held Nov. 30, was rather “moist.” Despite the precipitation, the gathering was still delightful. There was an inspiring choir, Santa, cookies and smiles everywhere, even if they were under umbrellas. It showed more holiday spirit than ever!
The honorable Oxford Village Mayor, Terry Stark, donned his formal top hat, welcomed a very dedicated crowd of about 65 community members. Mayor Stark thanked everyone for coming out and gave a special thank you to Jim Baldwin and the Oxford Lions Club for providing the gingerbread cottage-sound system that was being used.
High School vocal director Michael Moren had his chorus student volunteers lead the sing-along of traditional Christmas carols. There was a pause for the announcement of the primary school winners of the Recycled Holiday Ornament Contest by Mayor Stark, followed by more singing.
This year there was a special ceremony for the grand illumination of the LaFayette Park Christmas tree. Three lucky “honorary tree lighters” were selected by Tim McDonald, the Primary School principal, to become part of the program. Those students, Madelyn and Benson McGillicuddy and Gillian Mulder, came up on the band stand. Mike Moren got everyone to join in the countdown, “… five, four, three, two, one.” The kids threw a special red and green switch, and the tree sparkled with lights! The crowd cheered heartily and sang, “O Christmas Tree.”
The Holiday Committee’s festive display of twinkling lights created a magical backdrop for the jolly man in the red suit, Santa Claus, who appeared when everyone was singing “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” He had a big sack filled with candy canes to give to every child. Despite the wet conditions, children waited on line as usual to see Santa and he patiently listened to every wish.
The wonderful sights, sounds and tastes of holiday good-cheer were everywhere.
Trying to keep the refreshments dry, members of the Holiday Decorating Committee served hot chocolate and Steve and Sherry Behe made and served their famous hot mulled cider. Members of the Oxford Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Eastern Star, and the Oxford Grange #894 delivered hundreds of home-baked cookies.
It all seemed like an effortless extravaganza due to all who shared in the preparations. Thanks from the Oxford Holiday Committee, go out to the many hands of the community that joined in the effort that made this a spirited, joyous event.
To see more pictures, visit the OxfordNY.com “discussion” board. Look under “Community Service Organizations” for this post.
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