Canastota filled with Christmas spirit

The Christmas spirit is indeed alive and well in the Village of Canastota! On Nov. 29, the village held a successful Christmas tree lighting with over 200 kids of all ages in attendance. The Canastota Volunteer Fire Department enthusiastically decorated the ladder truck to give Santa and Mrs. Claus a lighted arrival. The sound of the Canastota Community Band and residents singing Christmas carols filled the air.

At Clark Park, the gazebo is decorated with thousands of lights. In the middle of the gazebo, a live tree has been placed and decorated. After the holidays, this tree will be planted in the recently dedicated Founder’s Park for future decorating.

Recently, in partnership with the Canaltown Corporation, Rotary Park has been improved to include new sidewalks, additional seating, and a newly trimmed Christmas tree. Thousands of new lights and a new star show the way north. Holiday banners adorn our downtown.

Over the next few years, our downtown will be updated with the help of our local businesses and a million dollars’ worth of improvements. Included in this project will be new sidewalks and new historic street lamps with electrical outlets that will again allow us to light our trees, which have been a holiday tradition.

Our annual Christmas decorating contest is in full swing with residents creatively hanging lights, decorating trees, and making holiday displays. Our area churches and nonprofits continue to offer wonderful events such as Breakfast with Santa and Christmas services, and Christmas angels continue to give food and gifts to those less fortunate.

Take some time to spend a few hours in our village. We’ll be waiting for you! Have a merry Christmas and a happy new year!