Residents brave chilly temperatures at Warwick's Annual Christmas Tree lighting

WARWICK — Temperatures on Friday evening, Nov. 29, were slightly below freezing as another large crowd of parents, grandparents and children assembled in Lewis Park to participate in the countdown for Warwick's official Christmas Tree lighting.

The annual event is sponsored by the Warwick Volunteer Fire Department.

Before the lighting, members of the Warwick Valley High School Meister Singers treated the audience to a selection of traditional Christmas songs.

Members of the Warwick Fire Department Auxiliary were on hand to serve hot chocolate on behalf of the Warwick Fire Department.

Warwick Fire Department Chief Jason Brasier welcomed visitors and introduced guest speakers.

Fire Department Chaplain, the Rev. Angelo Micciulla, offered an invocation, which was followed by the brief remarks of Warwick Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton and Mayor Michael Newhard.

Both officials praised the men and women of the Fire Department for their service throughout the year and thanked everyone for coming out to celebrate the annual Christmas Tree lighting.

Brasier then led the crowd in the traditional countdown to the tree lighting.

Once again, Santa, traveling in a fire engine, made his usual early surprise visit and handed out goodies to the excited children who lined up to greet him.

In 2003, the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony moved to Lewis Park after years of being held at what was then a privately owned "Railroad Green."

Since that time the Historical Society of the Town of Warwick has helped the Warwick Fire Department continue its long tradition by graciously providing the magnificent evergreen, just outside its Old School Baptist MeetingHouse.