The Hill/City Point Neighborhood Action Group held its fifth annual Christmas tree lighting on Saturday. Kris Sainsbury, who was on the lighting committee, sent in the following report:
A Kimberly square Quiz:
Q. What stands over 14 feet tall, is adorned with over 400 ornaments, is crisscrossed from top to bottom with 375 feet of gold garland, accented with 475 red bows, has 1,400 multi-colored lights and is topped with a very special STAR of HOPE?
A. The 2008 Kimberly Square Christmas Tree, of course.
Arriving at Kimberly Square, the first sight that greeted you was the beautifully decorated 14 foot tree, around which was piled high, Colorful Christmas Gift Bags all filled and waiting to be given out by Santa. The Square itself was filled to capacity as families gathered in anticipation of the annual LIGHTING.
So much was going on all at once — delicious Hot Chocolate was being offered, courtesy of Mr. Dave McCoart (of Sage American Grill), while Neighbor Ralph Crespo mingled among the crowd offering Christmas Cheer and Uncle Abe made sure that there was enough Pizza for all to enjoy. Alder Woman Dolores Colon passed Sequined Santa Hats out to the children and small Christmas gifts to each lady. John Dye made sure all present were in possession of a glow necklace and John Sainsbury had the task of dispensing Snow Man Spinner Lights. All this — in preparation of Santa’s arrival!
Then it began — The Hook and Ladder Truck delivering Santa could be seen and heard coming down Howard Ave. with their Lights Flashing, Air Horns Blaring, and Sirens Shrieking. The in the Square went wild (in a good way!), holding their lighted spinners aloft and chanting “Santa – Santa – Santa” in between squeals of delight. After Santa stepped down from the Engine – it was show time! Mr. Dye gave the invocation and blessed this positive event. Then Kempton Singh and Paul Larrivee – lead everyone in a count down “10 – 9‑8 – 7‑6 – 5‑4 – 3‑2 – 1 “POW!!
With a touch of his hand — Santa lit the 1,400 lights of 2008 Kimberly Christmas Tree. Lights – Lights – Lights reflecting off the gold garland and Lights Sparkling in the children’s eyes … Wonderful Christmas Lights.
Now time for gift giving — a Santa line was started and each child present received a gift bag from Santa and Mrs. Helper Clause (Heather Rivera) full of various items – such as an art set, books, a basketball game, candy, crayons, cute stuffed animals and most notably a pair of warm gloves and a knit cap.
This Tree Lighting is a highly anticipated Community Event and seems to become bigger and better each year. However without the generosity and support of many area merchants such as C‑Town Market – E.J. Barber Shop – Gem Liquor – Pepe Market and American Furniture this event would not have been possible.
Also without the time, effort, organization and dedication of the Christmas Tree Lighting Committee the tree would not be as beautiful. This year Members of Teen Challenge took part in decorating the Tree which helped finish the job quickly. Local friends attending were Alderman Jorge Perez РAlderwomen Andréa Jackson Brooks and Dolores Colon.
Everyone left this 2008 Kimberly Square Christmas Tree Lighting with a smile, a gift and the knowledge that the Star of Hope Tree Topper actually has meaning.