Broadways tree lighting event

(Newburgh) - The temperatures were dropping, but that didn’t discourage people from gathering at the foot of Broadway Saturday night to witness the annual tree lighting. It was originally scheduled for Friday, but was postponed due to the threat of inclement weather.

As they waited, the Salvation Army Band played music and sung carols. Soon Santa would arrive and join Councilwoman Regina Angelo and Mayor Nick Valentine to light the 35 foot blue spruce. The people who donated the tree simply asked Angelo to call it “Ernie’s Tree-for the Riverteers and the City of Newburgh.”

Santa brought gifts to hand out to the children, including books donated by the Friends of the Newburgh Free Library. Afterwards, people gathered at the Karpeles Museum to enjoy light refreshments.

Santa hands out gifts to children at the tree lighting event at the foot of Broadway in the City of Newburgh.