Town Green glows with holiday spirit

Tree lighting event kicks off the holidays
by PAUL HILKER – Staff Writer
Hundreds of Windsor residents kicked off the holiday season by
attending the second annual tree-lighting ceremony on the Town
Green last week.
Santa Claus arrived in a horse-drawn carriage along with a group
of helper elves, much to the delight of the many children in
attendance.
The children appeared enamored with the various sights, sounds,
and activities provided throughout the evening.
“Seeing the belief and the excitement in the kids’ faces is
really one of the best treats of the evening,” said town Community
Services Manager Nancy Percy.
Hot chocolate, coffee and cookies were provided.
An inflated hot-air balloon lit up the night with a “balloon
glow.” Other activities included a table for making Christmas tree
ornaments, an inflated jumping toy and a train that provided rides
to families around the Town Green.
The train proved to be one of the most popular items of the
night. “There’s nothing quite like the toy train,” said Percy. “The
train and the horse and carriage rides had lines all night.”
The Windsor Children’s Chorus led a caroling sing-along, singing
holiday favorites under the center gazebo.
They were followed by a local women’s barbershop quartet called
On Q! which filled the air with their pleasant harmonies.
The highlight of the evening was the tree lighting, presented by
Windsor Mayor Pro tem Steve Scott, followed by a time for kids
totalk to Santa and tell him what they wanted for Christmas.
Matt Gustafson a Windsor resident and the Windsor Fire District
Battallion Chief said he was just out enjoying the company of his
family and friends. “I think these kinds of traditional gatherings
really bring the community together,” said Gustafson. “It has a
small town charm that we really like.”
Percy agreed, saying that this is exactly the aim of the event.
“Windsor has a very close knit small town feel about it,” she said.
“This event helps continue that feel.”
The event will improve in coming years, according to Percy. “As
the new businesses come into town, there will be more interest and
more festivities provided,” she said.