Austintown lights tree,SFlbwelcomes Santa Claus

fire truck.”

Oles, along with eight township youngsters led the countdown to light the display.

Kurish said it’s one of the only nights each year the community really comes together this way.

“Plus, you really never get too old for Santa,” he said.

Oles said she’s been to every tree lighting in Austintown, and it keeps growing.

“It gets bigger every year,” she said. “There are more people, more lights and more decorations.”

After the decorations were lighted and Santa Claus was driven in on a township fire truck, the crowd was able to meet with him inside the fire station where cookies and hot chocolate were served.

Nick Reed, a township firefighter, went from riding on the truck that drove Santa in, to standing in line to meet St. Nick with his 15-month-old daughter Ariana.

“This is her first time meeting Santa,” Reed said. “This event gives everyone a chance to meet each other and come together for the holidays.”

Robert Carney said he brought his 4-year-old son Mason down for the first time to see Santa.

“My father called to let me know about Santa being here,” Carney said. “I asked Mason if he wanted to come and he said yes.”

Carney said his son was shy at first, especially when Santa asked to shake his hand, but he eventually warmed up to the North Pole native.

When asked what it was like to meet Santa, Mason smiled and said he was surprised. He said he’s asking for toys this Christmas.

“I have a whole list,” he said.

Carney said he will probably bring his son to the tree-lighting ceremony from now on.

“It gets everyone together, and it’s something positive,” he said. “We’ll come back. Mason had a good time.”

efranco@vindy.com