15th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Fellsmere Pond

by Bonnie Galayda

On the Saturday following Thanksgiving, Councillor-at-Large Craig Spadafora hosted his 15th annual Christmas tree lighting event at Fellsmere Pond. Beginning in 2011, Councillor Spadafora scheduled funding for the festive tree for the Malden community to celebrate the holiday season. This year traditional Christmas music permeated the crowd of more than 300 adults and children as they anticipated the illumination of the tree and the arrival of Santa Claus.

Joined by Amanda Linehan, Ward 3 Councillor, and Carol Melle and Bonnie Galayda from the Oak Grove Improvement Association, Inc., countless cups of hot chocolate, dozens of cookies, gift bags of sweets and hundreds of candy canes of all colors and flavors were joyfully shared by all. Even a few “pup cups” were set aside for any canine companions to receive a holiday treat as well.

Mayor Gary Christenson strolled through the park and could be seen “hanging out” with Santa Claus. There were several other city leaders in attendance as well. Most of all, the larger crowd of Malden citizens who came were having fun just mingling with friends and family while taking a break to relax during this holiday season.

A huge “thank you” goes out to the DPW crew and John Spadafora from All-Tech Electric in Malden for their physical and technical support in creating a magical scene in our beautiful Fellsmere Pond Park.