(VIDEO) Christmas spirit lights up in Rockaway Borough, literally

(VIDEO) Christmas spirit lights up in Rockaway Borough, literally

ROCKAWAY - Christmas officially arrived in the borough with the annual tree lighting on Tuesday, Dec. 5.

The event was organized by the Rockaway Borough Parks & Recreation Committee, and held at the gazebo of the Rockaway Borough Public Library.

“This is an ‘all hands on deck event,’ we have tremendous support from the Municipal Building support staff helping secure the tree from the Wasko tree farm, which they donate every year, and also handing out ornaments,” said Rob O’Connor, recreation director.

“The library staff opens their doors and helps in every way needed and our DPW staff is critical in getting the tree set-up, running the electricity, bringing tables for the hot chocolate and cookies and also making sure the area is clean and ready to go. The fire department and police department also provide their support and assistance for this great community event.”

This annual tree lighting ceremony goes back approximately to 1995, when the library gazebo was first built. And since its creation, the event has brought thousands of residents to the library gazebo to celebrate the start of Christmas. Every telephone pole on Main Street carried a large light-up snowflake as well.

This year, about 150 residents came to see the tree light up.

 “This tree lighting is pretty cool,” said borough resident Sal Ciullo, who was there with his 9-year-old son Jayden.

 “They do a lot of stuff at the library. It’s good for the kids and gets them excited for the holiday.”

 Jayden dressed up in his Cub Scout uniform of Pack 147 as he and his pack led the Pledge of Allegiance as part of the tradition. Junior Girl Scout troop 5692 and Daisy Girl Scout Troop 6774 sang carols afterwards.

 “You can see the lights and you don’t have to pay for them, the cookies or the hot chocolate,” said Jayden.

 “I’m honored to do the pledge here at the ceremony.”

after the lighting, there were cookies and hot chocolate.

Furthermore, this year, the recreation committee added a new theme to the event, “Helping Hands.” Ornament kits were handed out and included mittens. Two bins were also set up: one for glove and mittens to be donated to Project Kind, a homeless outreach ministry that provides needed items, information, referrals, fellowship, and prayer to those in need, and another for non-perishable foods to be donated to the Rockaway Borough Food Closet.

 “This is a great opportunity for the town together and celebrate the holiday, while supporting a good cause,” said borough resident David Walter, who has attended the tree lighting for five years.

 “It’s nice to see so many kids come out, representing the different organizations, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc.”

 And when the big finale came, the big tree under the library’s gazebo lit up like silver and gold. Kids raced around it, decorating the tree with their own ornaments.

 “This is a great community event tradition,” said O’Connor.

 “It brings everyone together for one night to just enjoy the beginning of the holiday season and celebrate the importance of community.”