Sandy Hook Has Its Own Christmas Story

By Kendra Bobowick

A pastel glow from holiday lights will dust children’s cheeks to match spun cotton candy on the evening of December 1 at the annual Sandy Hook Tree Lighting Celebration.

A crowd of residents shifting costume Santa caps or reindeer antlers onto their heads will begin to collect at 4 pm in Sandy Hook center and enjoy music, holiday stories for children, and more before the tree lights at 6 pm sharp.

Preparations Tuesday found Mary Fellows and Newtown Highway Department member John Manville feeding strands of lights to department member John Weymouth, who strung the lights along tree branches from the lift of a bucket truck. A few bulbs burst if they slipped from busy fingers, but the tree is now draped with lights waiting to illuminate the crowd of upturned faces this weekend.

Although the Sandy Hook ceremony is counting its seventh year, the tradition started at least 15 years ago, said Ms Fellows, the unofficial event organizer. Surrounding the tree now dressed for the season and standing on the corner of Washington Avenue and Church Hill Road are remembrances of Christmas past.

As she tugged at twisted strands of bulbs, Ms Fellows told a quick holiday tale. The corner where carolers will gather Saturday was purchased by the late Dr Louis Wasserman and his wife State Representative Julia Wasserman and now welcomes the public. Another couple, the late Frank Rose and his wife Monica Rose first started the tree lighting 15 years ago.

“The tree was only about ten feet tall and [Frank] did it with a step ladder,” Ms Fellows said.

On Saturday a host of activities in Sandy Hook will greet residents. The little green barn gallery at 111 Church Hill Road will host a meet and greet with artist Laura Lobdell from 3 to 5:30; Our Green House at 4 Washington Avenue offers Dr Haushkas’ Holiday Make-Up Tips & Kids’ Story Time from 3 to 5 pm; Mocha Coffee House touts holiday specials all day and live music following the tree lighting; across the parking lot, The Red Brick Tavern offers tree lighting dinner specials (reservations suggested) from 4 to 5:45 pm, and includes free hot chocolate to take for a stroll, 426-4280; Sandy Hook Wine & Liquor will see a holiday wine tasting from 3 to 8 pm, and carolers from 6 to 7 pm, 270-9112.

Enjoy a romantic twilight dinner at The Villa while overlooking festivities with pizza for the kids, call 426-4740; 100 Church Hill is advertising Beer & Burgers; Wishing Well at 5 Glen Road is hosting gourmet tastings all day, 364-8618; Katherine’s Kitchen is preparing holiday cookies and hot cider from 4:30 to 7 pm; and Karaoke Christmas Carols from The Graceful Planet will fill the air. For more information about the tree lighting and festival on December 1, call 270-5522.