JoAnne Wilkins At Fairfax Commons First Tree Lighting

[Henry]

"Hi Henry,
Here are some pictures from the tree lighting ceremony.  The tree pictures did not come out well.  It was getting quite dark.  The hay ride was a hit, and so was Santa.  It was very cold, but everyone was bundled up.  Thanks to the Fairfax business group.

JoAnne"

And a special thanks to JoAnne for doing this for us.  The temperature when I looked around 5 p.m. was a few degrees below zero up here on The Fletcher Road.

[Henry]

I believe the Hay Ride was courtesy of Mark Rainville - Santa ?? - Hot Chocolate & Cookies I didn't see, but believe they were courtesy of The FBPA - They were supposed to have Carolers to.  Don't know if it was a group or what that situation was.

We had a Manger Scene & Tree Lighting one year up at St. Luke's put on by The K of C.  Turned out to be one of the coldest nights of the year and the wind up around St. Luke's, well it was something else.  A few Carols were sung, but they were the short version.

Our FBPA is an active group and I am sure that last nights Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is just one of many more to come.

[HayesFXFD17]

I brought the kids up around 5:00pm and they loved it.  Other than the cold temperatures it was a great chance to see Santa which my 2yr. old loved, accompanied by a tractor drawn "hay ride" which was enjoyed by all.  The hot chocolate at the end of the ride was much appreciated.  I think it is great to see community events such as this and I fully understand the amount of hard work in planning and choreographing that is put in by the volunteers.  I can fully appreciate it from my perspective being with the fire department.  An event such as this has the opportunity to grow into an annual event and will no doubt grow and draw more attention.  Thanks to all who made this event happen.

[Barbara]

I am curious if there is a plan to take down the ornaments and put "Christmas" to bed now that it is spring.  It was a lovely event at the time but now it is past.