Residents are reminded that the 29th Annual Ram Pasture Tree Lighting Ceremony will be tonight. Entertainment will begin by 6:30, and First Selectman Pat Llodra will light the tree at 7 pm.

The first of three tree lightings that had been planned for last weekend, the Ram Pasture event was postponed last week due to poor weather on December 6. This event is centered around the trees at the corner of Elm Drive and Hawley Lane. Hundreds of luminarias will again surround Hawley Pond and line streets in the immediate vicinity, leading those who are walking from nearby roads (and homes, for some) to the trees.

The evening’s schedule is the same, with members of Newtown Juggling & Circus Arts Club planning to be at the historic property prior to 6:30, to welcome the earliest attendees with their entertainment.

Caroling and live music will be led by the Newtown High School Singers, and a dance performances will be offered by the NHS Dance Team and students from Lathrop School of Dance.

The tree lighting will also include, for the first time, a performance by The XY Chromotones, a vocal group based at Newtown High School.

Parking Rules In Effect

To provide for pedestrian safety at the heavily attended event, Newtown Police will be enforcing special temporary no-parking zones and road closures. The parking/traffic rules will be in effect from 5 to 8 pm.

No motor vehicles, except emergency vehicles, will be allowed on the section of Elm Drive lying between its intersections with Sugar Street and Borough Lane.

Police have designated several No Parking areas. They are the section of Elm Drive between Sugar Street and Borough Lane; Hawley Road; Borough Lane; the section of South Main Street between Borough Lane and Glover Avenue; the section of Sugar Street between South Main Street and Elm Drive, and the rear driveway for 3 Main Street, which extends from Sugar Street to the area behind the police station.

Affected areas will be posted with barricades, traffic cones, and No Parking signs. Police will be stationed at key areas to aid pedestrians and motorists.

Vehicles in violation of the parking bans will be subject to towing.