It takes a village of Santa’s helpers to host a tree lighting
Many thanks to all of the folks who contributed to the success of the City of Beacon + BeaconArts Tree Lighting on Dec. 12, including the Department of Public Works for helping with set up and lighting the absolutely gorgeous Blue Spruce on the southern end of the Visitor’s Center; the Fire Department for the Santa escort; the Police Department for traffic and security; the Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center for hosting the site; and Jon Miles and everyone at Peoples Bicycle for getting Santa down Main Street on time.
Jon Miles of Peoples Bicycle delivered Santa in style to the Beacon tree lighting (photo provided)
Thank you to Lori Merhige and the Wee Play Community project for the crafty fun! Thanks to Kenny Wright, Liam Goodman and Jeff McHugh for special production assistance with the Bicycle Tree. Extra special thanks to Cheryl Lange and the music faculty at the Beacon City School District, as well as the parents and caregivers for helping prepare the children and bringing the school choruses to the event — they were absolutely wonderful!
Also thanks to Anthony Scarrone and the Beacon Players for their terrific singing and for their assistance with the lighting. Many thanks to Angela Van Vlack and the dancers from the Yanarella School of Dance for their lovely presentation and for escorting Santa to the stage! Thank you to the extraordinary and effervescent Emily Ellison for leading the sing-along and for being a great MC as well as Stephen Clair and the Beacon Music Factory for their absolutely essential support.
The Beacon tree lighting (photo by Stephen Clair)
Thank you, Mark Price, Director of the Beacon Recreation Department, and the Beacon Recreation Commission for once again making this a special day to remember for so many, and thank you to the Tioronda Cadette Troop 10525 for its assistance in distributing the hot chocolate, cider and donuts.
Finally, thank you to artist and eternal kid-at-heart Ed Benavente for his whimsical and uniquely Beacon Christmas Tree that speaks to the child in all of us. His dedication and lightheartedness have brought something very special and wonder-filled to the children, as well as to all of the citizens of our town. More than 600 people attended the event, and many more have since come to visit the tree. It will continue to grow and evolve, so we hope everyone will come see it again next year.
May 2016 bring our friends and neighbors health and happiness. Shine on, Beacon!
The BeaconArts Board of Directors
Dan Rigney, president
Kelly Ellenwood, vice president
Nelson Conde, treasurer
Erica Hauser, secretary
Sommer Hixson
Richie Kaplan
Terry Nelson
Scott Tillitt
Aaron Verdile
Video courtesy BeaconArts
