'Tis the season for Christmas trees decorated with lights. The city of Dunkirk held its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony Friday evening.
City Hall was decorated and turned into Santa's workshop in the late afternoon with crafts and treats for children. The idea of Santa's workshop was suggested by Mayor A.J. Dolce where children were able to create snowman ornaments, decorate a cookie and play a game for prizes. Children also decorated thank you cards for veterans at the County Home and St. Vincent's.
Following Santa's Workshop on the second floor of City Hall, children and their families could visit with Santa on the first floor. Santa handed out candy canes to children who came to visit and share their Christmas wish lists. The tree lighting ceremony was held following Santa's Workshop. Dolce welcomed those at City Hall and started a countdown to the lighting of four big trees and a grouping of smaller trees.
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OBSERVER Photo by Samantha McDonnell
This Christmas tree now stands lighted in front of City Hall.
"This is great. We're just thrilled," Dolce said about attendance.
Assessor Tom Mleczko and Carol Oliveira, secretary to the mayor, helped coordinate the event. Mleczko joked he was thrilled the lights turned on. He was also pleased at the number of people who attended.
"It went smooth," he said. "I'm glad at the turnout."
Coffee, hot chocolate and cookies were available to snack on and ward off the coldness to attendees. Coffee and hot chocolate were supplied by the County Home and Petri's supplied cookies.
"It was a great turnout for the public. We're very excited to see everybody in the building with the crafts, all the great decorations that Carol (Oliveira) and Tom (Mleczko) did," Dolce said. "The place looks great."
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