Town’s Tree Lighting Incorporated into Christmas in Collinsville

This year, the town’s annual tree lighting will move to a new location but organizers hope its melding with Christmas in Collinsville will result in a safer, more festive event.

“We’re very happy to join in on the fun for that,” Parks and Recreation Director Brian J. Wilson said.

For years, the tree lighting with music, treats, caroling and a visit from Santa Claus at the town green has been a tradition in town.

However, the Parks and Recreation commission has had long-standing safety and other concerns about the location, Wilson said. Of primary concern are the proximity to Route 44 and the lack of parking that forces families to walk into the site at night, Wilson said.

And after last year’s event, the commission decided to act.

“We started really discussing options,” Wilson said.

The town decided to ask the Collinsville Merchants group if it could bring the event to the village as part of the annual Christmas in Collinsville festivities.

The merchants agreed.

“I’m excited about it,” said Kathy Taylor, a member of the Collinsville group. “It makes sense.”

Taylor said it also adds a new dimension to the Collinsville event, which the group has organized since 2007 when it decided to continue and expand on previous holiday events in the village.

Coincidentally it turned out to be a timely decision as upgrades at the gazebo on the town green, spearheaded by the Canton Lions Club and the town, are behind schedule due to the storm. Trees on the green, however, will also be lit this year.

For the Collinsville lighting, a large tree will be placed and decorated in front of the Canton Historical Museum.

Santa will make a grand entrance at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9 and a carol sing, led by local scouts will begin at 6:45 p.m. The tree lighting will take place at 7 p.m. The town will also sponsor kids activities at the town hall from 6 to 7 p.m.

Many have worked hard to ensure the event will be successful, said Wilson, who especially recognized Judy Lockwood for her ongoing efforts. Other organizations that will be involved include the Lions Club, scout groups and others. 

Christmas in Collinsville will incorporate much more that night and the next day, including a champagne walk, horse drawn carriage rides, a luminary walk, puppet shows and more. Times are 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday night and noon to 3 p.m. Saturday. For more details visit http://visitcollinsville.com/visitcollinsville_004.htm