The Night the Town Lit Up for the Holidays

Saugus celebrated its Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Festivities as spirits glowed warmly on a cold night

By Laura Eisener

Despite the biting cold last Friday evening, the weather did not dampen the spirits of the crowd that gathered to see Santa flip the switch to turn on the Saugus Center lights. The event ran for several hours, during which time visitors could admire the many decorations, including teddy bears, penguins, a fire engine and much more, around the Town Hall lawn and the library grounds. The ever-popular petting zoo – this year’s edition from Enchanted Animal Parties of Groton, Mass. – entertained children of all ages, with sheep, chickens, goats, a llama and other animals under a small tent beside Hamilton Street. People could warm up and browse the fair at the Congregational Church during the evening. At 7 p.m., the guest of honor, Santa Claus of course, was escorted to Town Hall by a police car, and he himself rode in style in a sleigh-style carriage pulled by a pair of horses.

The trees in Saugus Center, including the big spruce with its red bows, other shrubs and

trees in the rotary, tall trees on the Town Hall lawn, and several street trees with red and white lights (Saugus colors) burst into light. Along with the illuminated wreaths on many lampposts, the results created a bright and cheery atmosphere to brighten the longest nights of the year.

DJ Joe Piwowarski, aka “Joe Thunder” of New England’s Best DJs, entertained the crowd by playing a wide range of popular Christmas songs on his sound system set up outside the front door of Town Hall.