Beaver Twp. holds first tree-lighting ceremony

Officials said the ceremony was a success.

By VIRGINIA ROSS

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

NORTH LIMA — Six-year-old Cole Richter didn’t mind the rain that accompanied St. Nicholas to the Veterans Memorial in Beaver Township on Sunday.

The first-grader at South Range Elementary School said he appreciates any chance he gets to visit with Santa Claus.

“I like seeing Santa,” Cole said. “I like talking to him and taking pictures of him and everything. I don’t care how cold it gets.”

Nearly 100 people watched Sunday afternoon as St. Nick arrived at Veterans Memorial via an antique firetruck. His entrance kicked off an afternoon of lights, Christmas caroling and holiday activity as area residents gathered for Beaver Township’s first tree-lighting ceremony.

Outside, at the memorial, the South Range High School Choir performed several holiday classics including “Angels We Have Heard On High” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.”

Inside the administration office, hot chocolate and other goodies awaited attendees.

“With anything you do the first time you’re a little nervous, but I think the afternoon went pretty well,” said Scott Conway, township park administrator. “We were a little bummed about the weather, but that’s OK. Now that we know what’s involved, hopefully we can make the ceremony better and better each year. Overall I think it was a real nice turnout for the first year.”

Township officials said they intend to make the tree-lighting ceremony an annual event. Within the past few years the township has invested in making the Veterans Memorial area, across from the township administration office at the corner of state Routes 164 and 165, a place residents can enjoy and the township can be proud of. Improvements to the site include the addition of a gazebo and several park benches.

“As we grow as a township we’re hoping to give our residents more,” said township trustee Ted Lyda. “Anytime you do something for the first time there are some concerns, but I think this was a good afternoon for everyone. It was a good opportunity to bring people in the township together for something good, something positive. And I think each year it will get better and better, and bigger. It’s something to look forward to, and we want to offer activities like this to our residents. We want to give them enjoyable events like this.”

The holiday lights will stay on through the remainder of the year. And while the children appreciated the ceremony, music, cookies and hot chocolate, Santa appeared to enjoy all the attention he received.

“This is the best time of year for me,” he said. “It doesn’t get any better. I love the kids and all the activity. It’s great.”

For 6-year-old Cole, seeing the lights come on at the memorial means Christmas is just around the corner, and so is his personal visit from Santa.

“It’s getting close,” he said. “We have to get ready. It’s very, very close. I can hardly wait.”