The village of Montgomery got the holiday season off to a bright start Sunday with its annual tree-lighting ceremony and festival.
Santa arrived on a Montgomery Countryside Fire Department ladder truck and Mrs. Claus arrived on her own fire truck to begin the festivities.
Village President Matt Brolley and Santa then officially turned on the village’s Christmas tree along with another 25 trees along the street, decorated by local businesses and organizations.
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The Montgomery Rotary Club took over the Village Hall community room and tables were filled with children making crafts, writing letters to Santa or drawing.
The Oswego East Tri-M Music Honor Society performed in the Board Room in Village Hall as part of the fest.
“I think they did a great job – they’re packing them in,” said Michael Gomez of Aurora of the arrangement at Village Hall.
Businesses in the 200 block of North River Street were also part of the fest, with guests wandering to Atrevete Confections at 216 N. River St. for a free hot chocolate or heading over to Gray’s Mill Estate at 211 N. River St. for a free cookie during the event.
The streets in the area were blocked off and members of the Montgomery Police Department as well as Monty, the police comfort dog, were greeting visitors. Village trustees were also passing out glow sticks to all those in attendance.
There were also live musical performances from Nicholson Elementary and Oswego East Jazz Ensemble students as
well as professional strolling carolers called the Festive Singers along River Street.
The holiday event is put on by the village, the Greater Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce and local merchants.
Judy Pochel is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.