Bandstand event sponsored by Cold Spring Village government
By Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong
At least 100 local residents of all ages, to say nothing of half a dozen (or more) dogs, turned out Sunday night (Dec. 7) at the Cold Spring bandstand on the Hudson Riverfront for the annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony, organized by the village government.
The plummeting temperature (this is Cold Spring, after all) and darkness did not thwart the high spirits of the crowd, sipping warm drinks, listening to recorded holiday music and stomping their feet against the chill as they awaited the lighting of the tree and Santa Claus. Shortly after the lights transformed the plain evergreen into something sparkling and almost magical against the gloom, the venerable St. Nick appeared.
As usual — at least here — he eschewed his sleigh and reindeer and arrived in a shiny red truck, courtesy of Cold Spring Fire Company No. 1.
At the bandstand, Santa quickly claimed his “throne,” a carved wooden chair that looked like an antique, and greeted the children who lined up to talk to him one-on-one, perhaps sharing Christmas gift expectations. Their parents waited patiently below, snapping photos.
And with that, Cold Spring’s holiday season officially began.
The village mayor and trustees, donors and local organizations all played a role in making it possible.
According to Trustee Bruce Campbell, who serves as deputy mayor, “Philipstown Market (Vera and Dominic) donated the tree. Pete’s Hometown Deli donated the candy canes, C&E Paint donated some of the hardware in decorating, Hudson House contributed with miscellaneous supplies, Dan Dillon was MC [master of ceremonies] for another year” and wreaths from Carolyn’s Flower Shoppe came at a discounted price.
The fire company provided Santa, while the hot chocolate, cookies and decorating were supplied by the village Recreation Commission and village government.
