Community gathers for Alton tree lighting ceremony

Event was a partnership between Alton Village Association and Legion

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A night of Christmas cheer brought the Alton community together last weekend.

On December 9, the Alton Village Association hosted its annual tree lighting ceremony at the Alton Village Square.

Caledon's Town Crier Andrew Welch was in attendance at the ceremony and kicked off the evening at 6 p.m. with a proclamation. The community then counted down with Welch, singing the 12 Days of Christmas, and the tree in the square was lit up. 

After the tree was lit, Eric Wood of the Alton Village Association led everyone in the singing of some Christmas carols.

Once festivities at the Alton Village Square were complete, everyone moved over to the Alton Legion to enjoy refreshments. At the Legion, there was a very special visitor for kids: Santa Claus. 

Wood said he's been involved in tree lighting ceremonies in Alton since 2002, when they took place at a church on Queen Street that's no longer in use.

Wood said it was exciting that this year's ceremony was held in partnership with the Alton Legion. He said it was great to be able to continue the evening even after celebrations in the square were complete.

Wood said the ceremony was a great way to bring the community together.