Stop by and enjoy the city's official Christmas Tree

Cranston residents and Mayor Allan Fung welcomed the holidays with the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony and holiday celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 7.  Despite the cold evening, hundreds of residents, of all ages, attended this annual event.

Domenic Kaffenberger performed a trumpet solo to begin the event. Following Kaffenberger’s performance, Mayor Fung welcomed the crowd with his wife Barbara Ann Fenton by his side. The Cranston High School East Chorus, under the direction of Emily Johnson, supervisor of music in Cranston public schools, sang four Christmas Carols, followed by the BASICS Holiday Glee Club, a group of 31 children led by Peter Kelleher.

After Mayor Fung flipped a switch and the tree in front of City Hall lit up, the crowd heard sirens blaring.  The BASICS Holiday Glee Club sang “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” as Jolly Old Saint Nick arrived aboard a Cranston Fire Department fire truck.  As children ran to greet him, parents grabbed their phones and cameras to capture the moment.

The annual city tradition was complete with cookies and hot chocolate provided by Elves from the Senior Enrichment Center.

“I always look forward to our annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony because it brings smiles to children’s faces,” said Mayor Fung. “It’s a great celebration of the holiday season, and a chance to feel good about the holidays, our city and our neighbors.”

The Christmas tree is on the front lawn of City Hall. Lights will shine, beginning at dusk, until (WHAT DATE?) citytree1 jpg

WITH GLEE:

The BASICS Holiday Glee Club, led by Peter Kelleher, meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the new BASICS Headquarters, 250 East Street, Cranston. To support the Glee Club, and other BASICS music programs, shop at Barnes & Noble, Warwick, Saturday December 17. When you purchase items at the store, tell the cashier you’re shopping for the BASICS fundraiser. (Herald photos by Steve Popiel)

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MAYOR VISITS SANTA:

Mayor Fung invited everyone inside Cranston City Hall for a visit with Santa Claus. Pictured with Mayor Fung are Santa Claus, Elf Hailey and Elf Giuliana.

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LIGHTING UP THE NIGHT:

The Cranston Christmas decorations will remain up for public viewing until (DATE)

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FAMILY PHOTO:

The Ramirez family enjoyed their visit with Santa Claus, Elf Hailey and Elf Giuliana. Pictured are Jaileen, age 11, Jordan, age 4 months and Jayrome, age 5.