Bob Gregory and Steve Hodgson
The Independent Westport Area Business Association held its annual Tree Lighting ceremony on November 27. On an unusually warm evening, about 150 residents gathered for the festivities.
The event began with TIWABA president Mike Gasper who welcomed everyone in attendance on behalf of the local businesses.
Mike introduced The Westport Community Orchestra who entertained the crowd with a number of Christmas classics. The Orchestra is composed of Westport residents who still have their instruments and perform together for the community.
Rev. Emmett Wakefield from the Westport Wesleyan Church talked about the Light of Christmas.
"My wife and I came here we came from a place where you could not even have a lit Christmas Tree. Here we see many Christmas displays outside homes and decorations. The more lights, the brighter the displays. This bright light is the light of Jesus."
Town Council president Harry Pray thanked the community for gathering together for this special event. He asked that we not forget our men and women in the armed forces who cannot be home with their families this holiday season. Harry then gave the signal and the tree was lighted.
Children played safely in the streets and gatherers enjoyed cocoa and snacks at the tree lighting ceremony.
Westport resident Dave Stults offered that Sunday was, “possibly the warmest tree lighting that he had ever seen.”
Stults, a member of the Independent Westport Area Business Association, advised that he had attended every annual lighting since it’s inception in 1987.
Westport resident Janet Redford advised that her and grandson Austin Clark, “came out for the tree lighting and of course to see Santa.”
To the roar of the sirens, Westport Police Chief Todd Hampton delivered Santa Claus to the waiting children in the crowd. Santa sat with the children listening to what they wanted for Christmas this year.
Spirits were high and children gave their wish lists to Santa as a community tradition lived on and those in attendance had a wonderfully festive time at this years annual Westport tree lighting.
Hot chocolate and cookies were served by the Business Association to all in attendance. The Santa's Workshop will be open from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday December 3, 10 and 17.
