It’s that time of year again!
The annual Waterbury-LaSalle Christmas Tree Lighting will take place on Sunday, December 14 in Schneider-Sampson Park, across from the First Lutheran Church of Throggs Neck, giving families and residents of Throggs Neck an opportunity to come together in a traditional holiday-setting.
The tree lighting, which has been an annual tradition of the Waterbury-LaSalle Community Association for over 15 years, presents a fun opportunity for attendees to decorate and light a Christmas tree, eat cookies and drink hot chocolate while they watch Santa Claus arrive to the scene on a horse-pulled carriage, portraying the image of a reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh.
After Santa’s arrival, children can take pictures with Santa while they sit on his lap and will also receive gifts, presents and toys, followed by the tree lighting.
The Waterbury-LaSalle Christmas Tree Lighting will also include holiday music along with performances by choirs and choruses, adding to the tree lighting’s holiday atmosphere, at an event that spreads the holiday spirit throughout the close-knit community.
“This event is a great time for neighbors to come together, be community oriented and spread holiday spirit,” said Mary Jane Musano, chairperson of the Waterbury-LaSalle Christmas Tree Lighting and the Waterbury LaSalle Community Association.
“Those in attendance, especially the children, enjoy Santa’s company, as well as all of the holiday festivities that this tree lighting has to offer.”
Musano continued to explain that even though kids have a great time, the event is not only for children, and that there are people who come to the event who don’t bring kids.
She credited the groups that have assisted her and the WLCA with preparation of this year’s event, as well as in years passed.
Colonial Home Improvement donated the Christmas tree, Chateau Stables, will provide the horse and carriage and International Caterers of Distinction, will donate cookies and hot chocolate once again.
“Each year, the WLCA has worked tirelessly, even planning months in advance for this event,” said Musano. “However, it wouldn’t mean anything without the hard work, help and donations of the organizations who have accompanied us and made this event what it is today, and we are very appreciative.”
