Friday, December 23, 2011
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Jennifer Gaus (right) enjoyed treats and hot chocolate at the tree lighting with her step-daughter Hermoine Coe (left) and daughter McKayla Gaus.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Austintown toddler Teagan Hoover asked for baby dolls when she met Santa at the Dec. 1 community tree lighting.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .When the lights on Austintown's community tree were turned on, an exclamation of awe arose from the crowd.
By SARAH FOOR
The Austintown Fire Department was bustling with activity on Dec. 2, as Austintown residents of all ages converged on the fire hall to light the community Christmas tree and offer a warm welcome to Santa Claus.
The Austintown Tree Lighting utilizes the teamwork of the police and fire departments, township officials and the Austintown Junior Women’s league to pull off without a hitch.
Joyce Pogany has been the chairperson of the Christmas celebration since the event began 26 years ago.
“I still love to organize it because I love Christmas and I always want the community to enjoy the natural closeness and joy that this season brings,” Pogany said.
During the Dec. 2 event, officials welcomed about 300 residents to enjoy more than 200 dozen Christmas cookies and hot chocolate for free.
Families braving the cold were treated to renditions of Christmas favorites by the Fitch High School band. The band added a live soundtrack to the lighting of the community Christmas tree at 7 p.m., and played a jaunty version of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” as the man in red arrived on an Austintown fire truck. Soon after, Santa added to his list as he listened to the wishes of Austintown boys and girls.
For many families, the event welcomed in the holiday season in a family-friendly atmosphere. Jennifer Gaus enjoyed the event with her daughter, McKayla, and step-daughter, Hermione Coe.
“I only moved to the area a few years ago, but I appreciate that the township hosts the tree lighting. It’s a very nice tradition to start as a family,” she said.