A Christmas-tree lighting for the ages

Posted Thursday, December 10, 2015 12:00 am

The shining star of the event: the Baldwin Christmas tree.

Photos by Maureen Lennon/Herald

The Baldwin PAL cheerleaders helped to get the crowd pumped up.

Members of Baldwin High School’s Key Club served as Santa’s elves, handing out toys to the children after they saw Santa, and dispensing hot cocoa and snacks from Dunkin’ Donuts.

LaRone Gilbert's ear-to-ear grin almost outshone the the lights of thenewly lit Baldwin Christmas tree. The 6-year-old — and Santa — were among dozens of people who turned out for the annual event.

Courtney Donaldson of the Baldwin Fire Department brings the fire truck into the celebration area.

Music from the Bruins Singers from Baldwin Middle School put everyone in the holiday spirit.

Tim Remsen, 13, shown with Harley, helped with the pony rides.

By Adrienne Lyons

It was a Christmas tree-lighting like no other. It was a Christmas tree-lighting like every other. It was this year’s version of the event that marks the start of the holiday season in Baldwin.

Dozens turned out last Sunday at the Historical Museum to drink hot cocoa and cider and to watch the lights flicker to life.

Kids, pumped up on sugar and Santa, laughed like loons and made the whole celebration, sponsored by the Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, worthwhile. And the drives for used coats and new toys kept everyone in mind of the real spirit of the holiday.

Pony rides, music, toys and entertainment were all the prelude to the big event: Santa’s arrival on a Baldwin fire truck — certainly a cause for cheering by the Baldwin Police Athletic League cheerleaders.

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