The 40th Annual Ram Pasture Tree Lighting went off as planned on Friday, December 13, to the delight of a large crowd that bundled up against chilly temperatures for the evening event.

The honor of lighting the tree this year went to Borough Warden Jay Maher, who was joined by his family for the honor at 7 pm.

Ahead of the hour, live entertainment was again offered. NHS Singers and Lathrop School of Dance students performed for the growing crowd, while Santa and Mrs Claus prepared for post-lighting visits with friends of all ages.

First Selectman Jeff Capeci and Parks & Recreation Director Amy Mangold also addressed the crowd Friday, thanking those who joined them for the special occasion.

The event celebrated a milestone this year, marking 40 consecutive years of tree lightings at the historic property in the center of town. For four decades, a tree (or two) near the southwest corner of the historic property has been lit to celebrate the season through clear nights as well as rain, snow, and even the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ram Pasture Tree Lighting was launched by Diana Johnson and Janet Woycik in 1985, who reportedly picked up a suggestion from Johnson’s husband Wayland and ran with it.

Among the early members of the Ram Pasture Tree Lighting Committee was Joy Kopesky, who recently recalled the idea from the mid-1980s that has continued into the 21st Century.

“Wayland Johnson, then a pilot for TWA, was in Mainz, Germany, one holiday season,” Kopesky shared. “He told his wife he had seen a lovely Christmas tree in the town center that brought a very festive air to the entire community.”

The Chamber of Commerce was a sponsor from the onset, with the Borough of Newtown stepping in in recent years following the dissolution of the local Chamber. Newtown Parks & Recreation hosts the traditional event, arranges for tree and electrical maintenance of the tree, and invites public participation through donations each season.

In order to offset the cost, in 1999 the committee began offering memorial bulbs and luminaria to the public in return for donations. The list of donors, and those being celebrated, honored and/or memorialized, is published each year in this newspaper.