TREE LIGHTING Ceremony serves as holiday fund-raiser

AUSTINTOWN -- The Wickliffe Circle Christmas Committee Inc. will hold its 18th annual Austintown Community Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Dec. 2 at the Wickliffe Circle Fire Station, 4102 Mahoning Ave.
At 6:45 p.m., the Austintown Fitch High School brass band will play sing-along Christmas carols accompanied by the Fitch concert choir. At 7, the lights on the community Christmas tree will be turned on, then Santa Claus will arrive on a fire truck and a reception at the fire station will follow. Hot chocolate, coffee, cookies and candy will be served.
Last year, more than 600 people attended the ceremony.
The committee raises money by contributions from individuals and businesses in Austintown to buy Christmas decorations.
Anyone who would like to donate should send a check to The Wickliffe Circle Christmas Committee Inc., 1181 S. Raccoon Road, Austintown 44515. Donations will also be accepted in memory of deceased loved ones.
Joyce Pogany is committee chairwoman.