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Massena Downtown Spirit of Christmas Tree Lighting planned for Dec. 7

Posted 11/30/19

BY ADAM ATKINSON North Country This Week MASSENA – Caroling groups, street decorations, hot chocolate and Santa Claus will all be part of the second annual Massena Downtown Spirit of Christmas Tree …

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Massena Downtown Spirit of Christmas Tree Lighting planned for Dec. 7

Posted

BY ADAM ATKINSON

North Country This Week

MASSENA – Caroling groups, street decorations, hot chocolate and Santa Claus will all be part of the second annual Massena Downtown Spirit of Christmas Tree Lighting, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7 from 5 to 8 p.m.

But the highlight of the event, organized by the Greater Massena Chamber of Commerce, will be the lighting of the 18-foot Christmas tree in front of the Massena Town Hall, 60 Main St., at 7 p.m., said Nathan Lashomb, chamber director.

While the event is spearheaded by the chamber, a large number of community organizations and businesses are involved in the lighting, Lashomb said.

“This is a community-led event,” said Lashomb. “Which is great. That is what we need.”

The director said caroling groups from Nightengale and Jefferson elementary schools, Massena Central and Trinity Catholic will perform.

Mojo Rising Tattoo, 50 Main St., will stage a toy drive fundraiser called “Tattoos for Toys.” And, there will be a collection set up for donations of non-perishable foods and desserts for the local food pantry.

Northern Federal Credit Union is sponsoring free horse-drawn carriage rides around the block.

“We’re hoping to have a food truck, and some of the restaurants will have specials,” Lashomb said.

Various businesses and organizations are expected to participate with activities from Andrews to East Orvis street. The area will be decorated for Christmas with holiday banners, lights and other decorations.

The town and village, and department of public works will be helping out with the event, Lashomb said. Other sponsors and contributors include Massena Memorial Hospital, BJs Wholesale Club, Massena Savings and Loan, SeaComm, Massena Electric and Massena Boys and Girls Club.

A silent auction will be staged, and there will be hot cocoa for sale and free cookies, the director said. Another highlight will be appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus as well as other well-known Christmas characters.

Last year, the first year the chamber staged the event, an estimated 1,500 people attended, with 700 people participating in the carriage rides, Lashomb said. Organizers expect similar numbers of attendees this year.

“It’s designed to bring people together,” the director said.