Gardeners sponsor holiday lighting ceremony at Railroad Green

WARWICK - A minor technical glitch pushed back the time of the actual holiday lighting at Railroad Green on Friday evening, Nov. 17. But those who came for the ceremony were, nevertheless, treated to a beautiful concert of traditional Christmas music played by members of the Hudson Valley Trombone Choir. They were also served hot chocolate and cookies. The problem was corrected that same evening and the spectacular display of more than 10,000 lights can now be viewed every night throughout the holiday season. The Railroad Green lighting, the Christmas Tree and all the seasonal decorations in the Village park were arranged by the Warwick Valley Gardeners, a group of community volunteers responsible for the design and maintenance of nine separate public gardens throughout the Town of Warwick. The members change the garden at Railroad Green Park each quarter to appropriately reflect the season. Darlene Brozowski, president of the Warwick Valley Gardeners, reported this was the first year that music was part of the lighting ceremony. According to Warwick resident Dan Chester, members of the Hudson Valley Trombone Choir are all professional musicians. Many are members of symphony orchestras who meet informally each month to practice for various holiday events. Chester, Richard Regan and Sam Shackleton, who appeared Friday evening, are members of the Newburgh Symphony Orchestra. Amy Salo, a resident of Greenwood Lake, plays with the Westchester Symphony Orchestra. “I want to thank the Warwick Valley Gardeners for making us look so beautiful,” said Mayor Michael Newhard. The Mayor welcomed everyone who came to enjoy the music, the refreshments and the lighting ceremony. He also encouraged residents and visitors to enjoy all the holiday events planned during the celebration of “Home for the Holidays” in downtown Warwick.