Residents Celebrate 24th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Community Center

Thankful for the mild temperatures Wednesday night, a large crowd of residents gathered at the Coventry Community Center to witness the town's 24th Christmas Tree Lighting. 

This will be the second year lighting the new tree on the Community Center's front lawn, which was moved there from an Indian Trail property last August to replace its withering predecessor after 22 years at the location.

Again this year, The Reminder provided caroling songbooks that were handed out with candles. The crowd surrounded the tree and joined the Pawtuxet Valley Community Chorus in singing traditional carols while counting down the minutes until the tree would be come alive with lights.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus were greeted by a swarm of children when they arrived shortly after 6 p.m. on Central Coventry Fire District's ladder truck. After greeting the crowd they counted down to light the tree that now sparkles with thousands of white lights before heading inside to enjoy cookies, juice, Christmas crafts and photos with the children of Coventry.

Parks and Recreation Program Director Jason Licciardi thanked the crowd for once again celebrating the beloved event, as well as The Reminder, Pawtuxet Valley Community Chorus, Central Coventry Fire District and Seascape for decorating the Community Center for Christmas.

Click here to view a complete photo gallery from Wednesday's tree lighting!