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Rotary hosts annual Lighting of the Green
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Scotty Crawford, who spearheaded the War Vet Museum fundraising campaign, visited the newly-refurbished museum which offered refreshments and tours during the Rotary Club of Canfield’s annual Lighting of the Green Dec. 5.
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Ava Klingensmith of Austintown visited Santa at Township Hall during the Rotary Club of Canfield’s annual Lighting of the Green Dec. 5.
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Hilltop Elementary School fourth-grade students, under the direction of Tom Scurich, sang holiday carols in front of a large crowd at the Canfield United Methodist Church during the Rotary Club of Canfield’s annual Lighting of the Green Dec. 5.
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Santa Claus arrived Santa Claus arrived in style in a horse-drawn carriage courtesy of the Rotary Club of Canfield during the organization’s annual Lighting of the Green Dec. 5.
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.The Canfield Green, including the gazebo and several little trees, was glowing and was awash in Christmas lights and decorations after being lit up during the Rotary Club of Canfield’s annual Lighting of the Green Dec. 5.
By ABBY SLANKER
Santa Claus arrived in style, and with an escort from the Canfield Joint Fire District, courtesy of the Rotary Club of Canfield during the organization’s annual Lighting of the Green Dec. 5. In addition to a visit and photos with Santa, the event featured horse-drawn carriage rides, cookies, cocoa and live music at Piccadilly Parlour and candy, apples, cookies and other treats at the Township Hall.
Attendees could also enjoy a tour of the Dispatch Center, a tour of the War Vet Museum and choir music at the United Methodist Church.
Anthony Nacarato, Lighting of the Green chairman, welcomed the crowd, which included Rotary President Jane Perrett, Canfield Mayor Bernie Kosar Sr., Canfield Township Trustee Brian Governor, City of Canfield Council President Don Dragish Jr. and Pastor Jay Eastman of Canfield Christian Church.
“Welcome and thank you for coming to our annual Lighting of the Green. I would like to thank our local businesses and families for helping to make this event great. The local businesses have been a great friend to the Rotary in helping to get the trees around the green lit. We could never do the things we get to do in this community without their support. The little trees are sponsored by individuals, families and local businesses. They all have signs designating their donor. Through all the donations we have received for this evening, we are able to offer what we have available this evening at no cost to you,” Nacarato said as he welcomed the crowd.
Nacarato encouraged the crowd to visit each venue, including the newly-refurbished War Vet Museum.
“The Dispatch Center is open for tours and there is a craft and elementary school choirs at the Methodist Church, sponsored by Canfield Rotary. Of course Santa is at the Township Hall with coffee donated by Stone Fruit Coffee Company and the carriage rides, sponsored by families of Canfield Rotary, will run from Piccadilly Parlor to the Township Hall. And please visit the newly-refurbished War Vet Museum where tours and refreshments are available. Thanks to the efforts of a wonderful young man, the museum has been refurbished and upgraded,” Nacarato said.
Mayor Kosar also welcomed everyone to the event.
“Welcome to the Canfield community. It is a wonderful place to live. If you are visiting, welcome and have a good time tonight. I think with all this fog, we will really need Rudolph to guide Santa’s sleigh to us tonight,” Kosar said.
Pastor Eastman also greeted the crowd.
“This is a time of festivities and fun as we gather together. As we watch events unfold all over the world and even in this country, we know we can feel secure in Canfield. Our city has provided a wonderful place for us. Our police men and women put their lives on the line for us and I would like to personally thank them for that,” Eastman said.
After a countdown, the Green was glowing and was awash in Christmas lights and decorations.
After the lighting, Santa arrived at the Green in a horse drawn carriage with an escort from the Cardinal Joint Fire District fire truck and proceeded to the Township Hall to greet all the children and have his picture taken with all of them.
Local business sponsors included Farmers National Bank, Boak and Sons, Dr. Pamela Barkett DDS, Inner Circle Pizza, Something New Florist, Lane & Burke Co. LPA, Maroun’s Import Specialist, Coventry Lighting, Johnson & Johnson Law Offices, From the Heart Florist and Kim’s Confections.