Tree Lighting Ceremony Held At Smithtown Town Hall: Photos

SMITHTOWN, NY — The Town of Smithtown held its Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 1 at Town Hall, according to a news release.

John Zollo, the former town attorney, served as the master of ceremonies. Just For the Record, a local DJ, provided live music. The Smithtown Fire Department brought Santa to the party just after 6 p.m.

"This was an outstanding and much-needed event to get Smithtown in the holiday spirit, and you could feel the energy in the crowd!" Supervisor Edward Wehrheim stated. "Last year we went virtual with Santa and held a very small tree lighting ceremony. So it was great to see everyone together again."

This year's live performances, from local school districts, were conducted by the Smithtown High School West Whisperettes (junior varsity and varsity) Kickline, the Hauppauge Varsity Kickline, the Smithtown High School West Jazz Choir, the Great Hollow Middle School Chorus, and the Accompsett Middle School Chorus. Each group performed Christmas favorites for a crowd of approximately 250 people.

The Smithtown Recreation Department served cookies and hot chocolate, which was donated by Lessing's Hospitality Group. Balloon sculpting was provided for kids of all ages by Animations. The Town of Smithtown collected a large box filled with non-perishable items for the Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry during the event. Residents who wish to still make a donation to the Food Pantry may do so in person at 90 Edgewater Ave., Smithtown.

"Sadly, Katie’s Food Truck was destroyed in a tragic fire just days before the ceremony and was unable to attend the celebration," the town stated.

A GoFundMe page was created to help restore Katie's Food Truck. The food truck is usually at 145 W. Main St. (just beneath the train trestle) in Smithtown.

The Department of Recreation organized the event with support from the Smithtown Parks Department and Smithtown Public Safety, while the tree was lit by the Department of Traffic Safety.

"I want to commend the talented young people who performed, and send my gratitude to the Department of Recreation for making this ceremony so extraordinary," Wehrheim said. "Thank you to the Parks Department who worked around the clock to set up and break down the stage and equipment, as well as our Department of Public Safety who kept everyone safe and guided the firetrucks to Town Hall. I think I was just as excited to see Santa as the kids were this year!"

A U.S. Marine Toys for Tots drop-off site is located inside Smithtown Town Hall's main entrance. The toys are set to be picked up by the Marine Corps on Dec. 17. Town Hall, at 99 W. Main St., Smithtown, is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Photos