By Meghan Peterson.
On Saturday, December 4, Tylerville businesses sponsored and hosted a festive event to usher in the 2021 holiday season. The Christmas tree was lit with fanfare, joyful music played, a cozy fire warmed kids at heart of all ages, Santa Claus merrily attended to children as parents looked on and snapped photos, and a mini Christmas train journeyed throughout the River Valley Provisions/Tony’s Package Store parking lot. The businesses also offered hamburgers, hot dogs, and hot chocolate.
Lori Maggi, owner of Fireworks Hearth & Home, thanks “folks for coming out and supporting the event” as well as “those who contributed to make the event a success.” Gianna Milardo, owner of River’s Edge Home Center explains that in 2015, Alan’s Small Engine Service, Fireworks Hearth & Home, and River’s Edge Home Center all combined efforts and decided “to buy a Christmas tree, plant it, light it, and give back to the community the first Saturday of December every year.” In addition, Milardo says that while “[w]e did not do anything in 2020 due to COVID,” they still lit the tree.
For next year, the business community wants to spread the word even more and have created a Facebook page called “Tylerville Christmas Tree Lighting.” On that site, the Tylerville businesses will “keep everyone updated throughout the year” as to event information, according to Milardo.
The people who attended this year’s celebration greeted the evening in good spirits and with a cup of Christmas cheer for all. Here is to a merry season this year, with an eye already on next year’s gathering!
Photo by Kathy Brown.
