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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.The Boardman High School band played Christmas music for guests during the Community Christmas event at Boardman Park on Dec. 4.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Boardman Park decorated a Christmas tree that they lit up during the annual Community Christmas event on Dec. 4.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Guests got to visit and get a picture with Santa Claus on Dec. 4 for the Community Christmas event at Boardman Park.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Families and organizations had the opportunity to decorate their own Christmas tree at the Boardman Park Community Christmas on Dec. 4.
By ALEXIS BARTOLOMUCCI
Boardman Park started the Christmas season on Dec. 4 with the 20th annual Community Christmas.
The Community Christmas event is a free event for the public to come and participate in several activities. One of the biggest parts of the Community Christmas is the decorating of the parks pine trees by families and organizations.
Each of the pine trees can be purchased by any of the community members to decorate. The park requests that the pine trees should be decorated with natural materials the park animals are able to eat. People used bagels, popcorn, fruits and other edible items. All of the pine trees were purchased and the proceeds raised from the trees goes back to the park to continue hosting different programs.
After people finished decorating their trees, they had the option to watch some music performed by the Boardman High School band, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate and visit Santa once he arrived via fire truck.
The Boardman High School band played Christmas carols that Linda Smrek sang along to. The band performed in the St. James church and guests sat and listened to music as they ate cookies and drank hot chocolate. Once Santa arrived children waited in line to get a picture with him and tell him their wish list.
The lighting of the Christmas tree in Boardman park took place halfway through the event. The lights shone bright on the tree as the other decorations lit up the pathways in the park.
The annual Community Christmas brings community members together to celebrate the holidays. The parks hopes the event continues the success it has had all 20 years.