The 16th annual Port Washington Christmas tree lighting ceremony felt a little more special this year as the season’s first snow started to fall during the event. It also culminated a series of special celebrations that were held in Port to mark the holiday season.
Whether it was merchants on Main Street hosting a special evening, the lighting of a Menorah, the unveiling of a Nativity scene or a Thanksgiving run, Port Washington showed its holiday spirit this year.
The last big event of the season was the tree lighting in Blumenfeld Family Park.
The evening drew about 350 people, with the highlight for many children being the arrival Santa and Mrs. Claus in a Port Washington Fire Truck.
The tree lighting ceremony was led by Father Stuart Huntley of St. Stephens Church, who narrated the Christmas story amid songs and the pageantry of people acting as Biblical characters.
Attendees were entertained by the brass band Liquid Brass, followed by local singers. After the songs and celebration the tree was lit.
The tree lighting and show were presented by the Port Washington Christmas Tree Lighting Committee, chaired by Claudia Rudegair. It was sponsored by 18 mostly local businesses.
Sponsors included: Harding Real Estate, Air Land Express Courier Service, Eve Nail Salon, Carvel Ice Cream Company, Sullivan’s Quay, Dolphin Book Store, Chickadee Photography, Finn MacCools, Ayhan’s Mediterranean Restaurants, Computer Port, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, Hefferin Tree Service, Falconer’s Florist, Anonymous Angels, Friends Together Early Childhood Center and Nursery, Crest Cleaners, York Scaffold Co., Port Washington Calendar, and Blanka’s Kitchen.
