Heather Rivera
Celebrants at Kimberly Square tree lighting.
“Drive by some night and see what we’ve done with a drab, lackluster little inner city spot and a ‘humongous’ Douglas Fir and lots of bright shiny things!”
So writes Hill/City Point Neighborhood Action Group Events Chairwoman Kris Sainsbury of Saturday’s festive tree lighting ceremony at Kimberly Square.
That tall, straight fir now has a thousand lights, 500 ornaments, and hundreds of red bows.
Here are some of her other observations, combined with photo by Heather Rivera:
“The lighting itself was the best we’ve had in eight years. The little square was overflowing with youngsters and oldsters all waiting for the 5:30 arrival of Santa, thanks to the New Haven Fire Department.
“[Hill] Alders Jorge Perez and Dolores Colon were on hand to help Santa magically light the tree.
“With the financial help from several area businessmen and the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven , Santa was able to give out 110 Christmas stockings filled to the brim.
“Dave McCoart of the Sage American Restaurant set up a table and served his special Sage hot chocolate with marshmallows.
“We didn’t have much funding and we didn’t have much time to put this all together but it was one of the best!
“Just don’t try to touch [ed: that is, mess with] the tree: It is now guarded by those who inhabit the square and they’re proud and protective of their tree.”