Christmas Is Welcomed At Ram Pasture

By Shannon Hicks

Without the threat of a major snowstorm rolling through the area, this year’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Ram Pasture was much calmer — and better attended — than last year’s event.

The 2003 tree lighting ceremony opened calmly, with what initially looked like a lovely dusting dropping snow onto the region. A light wind even moved some of the snow gracefully across the frozen surface of Ram Pasture during the hours leading up to the ceremony.

By the time people began gathering at Ram Pasture a few hours later, however, a major snowstorm had gripped the area. The snow kept many people away from the 2003 celebration, and then continued to bury most parts of Newtown in 14 to 15 inches of snow by the time the snow finally stopped nearly 30 hours later.

Because of the increasing intensity of the storm that evening, the actual lighting of the tree was done 30 minutes earlier than planned. Tree lighting coordinator Janet Woycik wanted people to get back home safely.

This year the scene was much less chaotic, and a lot more serene. Caroling began at 6:30 and could be heard across the length and breadth of the Ram Pasture as residents of all ages approached the town’s official tree. Members of Newtown Hook & Ladder had a few engines set up on Hawley Lane, with lights providing direction and illumination for the revelers during the 30 minutes prior to the lighting.

And leading the way from stretches of Main Street, Glover Avenue, and Sugar Street were thousands of white luminaria bags lit with candles. The bags were once again provided by Curtis Packaging and featured a cutout in the shape of a Christmas tree on the front and back, and star cutouts on each side. The Sandy Hook printing company designed the special luminaria bags for the 2002 holiday season.

Janet Woycik once again served as emcee, introducing Newtown High School musicians and guest speakers. The NHS students — members of the school’s bands and choirs — led the crowd in holiday carols. Countless children were riding on the shoulders of moms and dads. Odd-looking holiday hats were seen on the heads of children, teens, and adults alike.

Mrs Woycik also introduced Pat Linnell, who had been picked this year to light the Christmas trees. Mrs Linnell is the current president of Newtown Chamber of Commerce and the owner/broker of Linnell Real Estate.

“Let’s dedicate the tree lighting this year to our armed forces,” Mrs Linnell said. “They can’t be here, but they’ll know about it in their hearts.”

First the crowd counted from ten to one, and a small pine tree with colored lights was lit. This tree will eventually grow into its future role of the town’s official Christmas tree.

Then the crowd counted down for the second time that evening and the large tree at the corner of Hawley Lane and Elm Drive was lit. Covered in white lights, and this year sporting a brand-new star at its top, the tree cast a beautiful glow over the hundreds of people who turned out for the event.

Newtown High School students Amanda Eventoff and Erik Bagger then sang “Silent Night” as the evening came to a close with the arrival of Santa and Mrs Claus.

Before closing the ceremony, Janet Woycik implored the crowd to enjoy the luminarias, and to leave thems alone.

“Please, let your friends and neighbors who couldn’t make it to the tree lighting tonight enjoy the luminaria as they drive nearby,” she said. “Don’t kick them over, or extinguish them as you leave tonight.”

The following morning most homeowners cleaned up the bags that had been set out in front of their homes. The luminaria at Ram Pasture were cleaned up by Newtown Junior Girl 764 and The Newtown High School Leo Club. While these students took the time to walk around and pick up every bag that had been set out around the pasture, its pond, and tributaries, resident Tom Fahey allowed all of the sand and bags to be dropped into the back of his pick-up truck — instead of having any of the sand dumped into Hawley Pond. He then took all of the refuse to the town landfill.