Eastchester's Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Brightened The Night

EASTCHESTER, N.Y. -- Eastchester families, town and county officials, Scouts and guests gathered at Memorial Park over Thanksgiving weekebd to launch the holiday season by lighting the town Christmas tree, a Nativity scene and an eight-foot menorah.

Eastchester lit the town Christmas tree at its annual ceremony.
Photo Credit: *Vincent Nicoletti*

Eastchester lit a nativity scene and an eight-foot menorah at its annual ceremony.
Photo Credit: *Vincent Nicoletti*

by Justin Quinn

12/07/2013 4:00 a.m.

Along with Christmas carols, traditional Hanukkah songs, candy canes, hot chocolate, cookies and dreidels, the Eastchester community enjoyed a festive event for its annual celebration.

Maura McMahon and Judy Blau, co-presidents of the Eastchester Beautification Foundation, welcomed the crowd.

A special mention was made about the 40-foot town Christmas tree that has been lighted to usher in the holidays for the past 14 years.

It was planted by an Eagle Scout and has grown tall enough to be seen all over town. However, it has succumbed to disease and will have to be replaced.

"It has certainly served us well, but sadly, it has become diseased and unsafe to remain standing in this location so it will be replaced in 2014 with a young, green spruce," Blau said in a release.

It was also noted that the last time Hannukah was celebrated at Thanksgiving was 125 years ago and is a holiday that celebrates a battle for religious freedom.

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