At the end of the countdown, Village of Port Chester officials kick off the holiday season on Thursday, Nov. 30, by lighting up the over 15-foot Christmas tree that traveled from Ellendale Avenue to Liberty Square, donated by Felix Vasquez. Standing in awe of its glory are Edison School fourth-grader Dulce Cieza of Girl Scout Troop 1899 (left) and Park Avenue School third-graders Sophia Castro and Arianna Romero of Troop 1905. (Sarah Wolpoff/Westmore News)
Damian Peraza (left) and Adriana Munoz, young children of Port Chester, enjoy baked goods and hot chocolate provided by the Salvation Army before the festivities begin. (Sarah Wolpoff/Westmore News)
Preparing for the lighting of the large blue spruce, Port Chester trustees stand together to thank all community members and Village employees who made the celebration possible. From the left: Juliana Alzate, John Allen, Joan Grangenois-Thomas, Mayor Luis Marino and Phil Dorazio. (Sarah Wolpoff/Westmore News)
Port Chester High School band director Mike Miceli guides musicians such as clarinetists Camilla Vasquez (right), a sophomore, and Kimberly Maldonado, a senior, through holiday tunes for attendees. (Sarah Wolpoff/Westmore News)
An ornament from King Street School hangs high from one of the evergreen’s branches. With a few orbs created by schools and community groups adorning the tree for the first time this year, a new tradition has been started. “Next year, hopefully, we’ll have a tree full of ornaments from around the community; we’re really excited about that,” said Trustee Joan Grangenois-Thomas. (Sarah Wolpoff/Westmore News)
Donning a Santa hat, Port Chester High School senior Thomas d’Esperies’s festive look shines back at him from his mellophone’s horn. (Sarah Wolpoff/Westmore News)
Performing with multiple Girl Scout troops, John F. Kennedy School third-grader Sofia Rodriguez has her eyes peeled on the lyrics as she sings “Frosty the Snowman.” (Sarah Wolpoff/Westmore News)
An event for all sentients, the Christmas tree lighting celebration saw a large robot in the crowd, who was happy to give out high-fives and pose for pictures with children present. (Sarah Wolpoff/Westmore News)
Port Chester kicks off the merry season with Christmas tree lighting in Liberty Square
