The holiday season has officially kicked-off in the Texel Drive and Trafton Road area of the city as more than 70 residents gathered on a traffic island for the 5th annual Neighborhood Tree Lighting Sunday
SPRINGFIELD – The holiday season has officially kicked-off in the Texel Drive and Trafton Road area of the city as more than 70 residents gathered on a traffic island for the 5th annual Neighborhood Tree Lighting Sunday.
Santa arrived by a Springfield Fire Department fire truck as dozens of children waited for the man in red to take his place in a chair near the colorfully decorated tree in the center of the island.
Residents and visitors were encouraged to bring a new unwrapped toy which will be donated to the Toys for Tots campaign.
The event was sponsored by A & M Landscaping along with neighborhood residents Pasquale and Michelle Izzo.
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno was given the honor of assisting in the lighting of the tree after the crowd provided a countdown. Residents and visitors enjoyed hot chocolate and snacks as holiday songs played in the background.
Also attending the event were state Rep. Angelo Puppolo, D-Springfield, state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, D-Springfield, and City Councilor Ken Shea, who lives in the neighborhood.