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Santa Claus arrives in Austintown
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Austintown Fitch High School band members Jeremy Eyster and Amanda Lacusky play Christmas carols before the 25th annual Christmas-tree lighting at Wickliff e Circle Fire Station in Austintown. Several hundred residents enjoyed music, cookies and a visit from Santa on Thursday evening.
By Elise Franco
Austintown
Santa Claus came to Austintown just in time for the annual lighting of its Christmas tree.
About 250 residents were treated to performances by the Austintown Fitch High School band, cookies, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa himself, all topped off by the 25th annual lighting of the township Christmas tree at Wickliffe Circle Fire Station.
Sara Solvesky said she and her husband started coming five years ago just after their oldest son, Austin, was born. Their family, now five members strong, enjoys the tradition.
“We like to come by and see Santa and the tree and the decorations,” she said.
Solvesky’s three boys — Austin, 5; Eli, 2; and Aaron, 5 months — lit up as bright as the tree they stood under as Santa came by on the back of a township fire-truck.
Lloyd and Marlene Gruver said they’ve been to nearly every tree lighting, and it’s become somewhat of a tradition for them as well.
Lloyd Gruver, a former captain who retired six years ago after 40 years with the township fire department, said they love what the tree-lighting signifies for the community,
Marlene Gruver said it’s an event that brings the whole town together.
“It draws in all the children and the families,” she said.
Township Fiscal Officer Michael Kurish, looking on as several children met Santa, said he thinks it’s obvious why so many people enjoy the event.
“Everybody loves Santa, and it’s Christmas,” he said. “It makes it worthwhile just to see all the smiles on the faces of all these kids.”