Community Corner
Harrison Tree Lighting Ceremony Draws Large Crowd [Video]
Singing, dancing, a visit by Santa on his firetruck sleigh and the lighting of the Christmas tree ran without a hitch at last night's annual ceremony.
West Harrison officially welcomed the holiday season with music, a visit from Santa and a tree lighting Friday night.
Little ones enjoyed singing along to classic songs while others made their way to hot chocolate lines. The main attraction, though, was the tree lighting itself.
The annual event drew a couple hundred people. West Harrison resident Babe Iannibelli came because in the midst of needing to walk her dog, she decided to attend.
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"I'm happy tonight isn't so cold," she said, adding that the festivities were "cute but geared more to kids."
Resident Donna Gabie had come a few years back and decided to see the tree lighting again this season. So was the case with Emily Ritschl and Ryan Marks. Both recently moved into the area and wanted to participate in community events.
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"This is our first holiday season in West Harrison," she said. "We love the community feel of the town. I'm having a great time."
With a special guest appearance by Santa, Ritschl said that she was "more excited to see Santa than I thought I would be."
The tree will remain lit through the holidays.
