New Milford tree lighting ceremony returns for 55th year
NEW MILFORD — Fifty-five years after the first town tree lighting ceremony, New Milford will once again be able to gather on the Village Green Saturday night to take part in a beloved holiday tradition.
Last year, the tree lighting was held for the public virtually due to the pandemic.
The event, sponsored by the Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce, begins at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Mayor Pete Bass and Santa Claus will be in attendance.
For those who can’t make it in person, a Facebook Live link is also available.
The Men’s Club of the New Milford United Methodist Church sets up trees on the green annually, stringing them with colorful lights to usher in the holiday spirit. The trees generally stay up until New Year’s.
The Men’s Club is taking contributions to help cover the lights and other items used in the town tradition. The group is also selling Christmas trees throughout the month of December to raise funds supporting local scholarships, mission projects, and community agencies, according to New Milford’s website.
The tradition owes its origins to Walter Schutte, who initiated the first tree lighting in 1967. The practice has continued each year in his honor.
This annual event also coincides with Small Business Saturday which enGreater courages shoppers to shop local for holiday gifts and necessities.
“We encourage you to Shop Local and support all our businesses in the New Milford area,” the town’s announcement states.