Lighting the Tree in Verona

Dec 01, 2011

Photo: Verona’s tree alight

The recent balmy weather allowed for lengthier than usual Tree Lighting festivities at McMullen Park in Verona on Nov.25. Attendees, who included Deputy Mayor of South Frontenac, Mark Tinlin, and Councilors Bill Robinson and John McDougall, enjoyed snacks and beverages and live carols courtesy of Ross Clow.

This year’s festivities included a surprise visit by the white bearded man in red who gave out candy canes to all of the kids under the newly lit tree. The celebration put on the Verona Community Association as usual marks the official beginning of the Holiday season in Verona. Wayne Conway of the VCA pointed out the fact that the huge spruce tree in McMullen Park, which has been lit up for close to 15 years now, is no longer in top form and might in fact be dying. It was donated to the park by Dr. Day and his wife Louise back in 1997. Prior to hanging the lights on the tree, numerous dead branches had to be cut from its base. Though Wayne thinks that the tree will still be able to be used for a number of years to come, the VCA is now considering planting a new tree in the park.

Debbie Lingen led the evening’s festivities and the festive countdown, and regardless of a few missing lower branches, the tree looked as beautiful as ever.