According to several lifelong Mason residents, the annual Christmas tree-lighting at the gazebo has been a town tradition for more than 35 years.
However, the tradition’s start date remains a mystery. Some claim the annual tradition began in the 1970s, while others claim the event began sooner. Nevertheless, town residents are accustomed to gathering in the town square every December to commemorate the holiday season. This year was no exception.
On Dec. 10, nearly 100 Mason residents and community members gathered on Darling Hill Road from 2 to 4 p.m. for the annual ceremony, sponsored by the Board of Selectmen and Mason Public Library. The townwide event featured a dozen local artisan vendors, holiday treats and free books courtesy of the town library.
Director of Mason Public Library Judy Forty said she’s proud to contribute to one of Mason’s longest-standing traditions.
“We are thrilled to a part of the event,” said Forty. “Community is what we are all about at the library. It means a lot to the people in town.”
To kick off the holiday event, families huddled in close to listen to local storyteller Lee Siegman’s rendition of “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” After the reading, carolers from Mason Elementary School alongside the local group nicknamed “Charlie and his Angels” performed Christmas classics to the cheering crowd.
For the big event at 3 p.m., Santa Claus rode a blaring red fire truck into town to light the town Christmas tree. Despite the cold, families eagerly waited for the chance to pose with Santa Claus under the gazebo and make the perfect Christmas card.
Board of Selectmen Chair Kate Batcheller said the purpose of the annual event is promote joy around the holidays.
“It’s about bringing the community together and spreading the holiday spirit,” said Batcheller.
For many Mason residents, the annual Christmas tree-lighting is a multigenerational family tradition, including local vendor Cherie Aho. For the Aho family, visiting the town square for the tree-lighting was a constant every December. After moving back to the region nearly 30 years later, Aho said the family tradition lives on.
“It’s cool to be a vendor and be part of it again,” said Aho.
The annual Christmas tree-lighting at the gazebo marks the end of townwide festivities this holiday season for Mason residents.