An Extraordinary Tree Lighting this Year

This year’s Tree Lighting Ceremony and Festivities was bigger and more magical than ever, thanks to all the hard work from volunteers and Town employees, and the continued support and generosity from residents and local businesses.

On Friday, November 30, 2018, from 5 to 8:30 p.m., thousands of Saugus residents gathered outside the Town Hall to meet Santa, ride a horse-drawn sleigh and trackless train, jump in the bounce houses, pet animals, listen to live entertainment, sip hot cocoa, munch on cookies and popcorn, and of course, watch the tree lighting. At 7 p.m., a handful of children joined the massive crowd of residents on the front steps of Town Hall to flip the special switch that lights the Town Tree and all the other Town lights, which once again included bright red and white lights strung along Central Street.

Following the lighting, Santa and his elves rode up on Santa’s sleigh and spent the rest of the evening greeting the good little girls and boys of Saugus before returning to the North Pole. It was truly a night to remember.

The evening would not have been so memorable without the help of countless volunteers, residents, employees, and businesses.  

I would like to give a special thank you to the Tree Lighting Committee, including Youth and Recreation Director Greg Nickolas, School Committee Chair Jeannie Meredith, volunteer Julie Mitchell, Youth and Recreation Programs Coordinator Crystal Cakounes, and Chief Administrative Aide Christine Moreschi for their planning and preparations. Without them, the Tree Lighting Ceremony and Festivities would not be able to run.

I would also like to thank all of the generous sponsors, including Wheelabrator, Walmart, Armstrong Ambulance, Action Ambulance, Home Depot, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Hammersmith Family Restaurant, Big Y, Harrow’s Chicken Pies, TrueVine Church/Saugus Community Events, and Showcase Cinema de Lux Revere. Your generous contributions made this beloved festival possible.

Thank you to the Town’s Building Maintenance Department and custodians for making the Town Hall and grounds look so sharp.

Thanks to the Department of Public Works for their excellent job in decorating the Town. The wreaths, banners, lights, and bows transformed the Town into a winter wonderland.

I would like to thank the Police and Fire Departments for keeping everyone safe by providing officers and firefighters at the event. Thank you to Armstrong Ambulance for your presence and support.

Thank you to the School PTOs for providing goodie bags. 

Thank you to the Saugus High School Band and Chorus for providing wonderful entertainment for the community. I would also like to thank our DJ, Alex Martino.

I would like to thank Saugus High School Varsity Soccer Coach Chris Coviello and his dedicated team for volunteering their time to distribute hot cocoa and cookies.

A big thank you to Santa and his elves, all of whom broadened the smiles of hundreds of people young and old. Despite being incredibly busy around the holidays, Santa always makes time for the Town of Saugus and we truly appreciate it.

Lastly, I would like to thank the residents of Saugus for their support and tremendous showing. Without all of you, the evening would not be nearly as magical as it is today.

Thank you to everyone else that I may have forgotten.

Next, I look forward to the Christmas Eve parade on Monday, December 24, 2018. We hope to see you all there!

Very truly yours,

Scott C. Crabtree

Town Manager