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December 06, 2002
Santa to arrive on firetruck to start Brookfield holiday
Santa to arrive on firetruck to start Brookfield holiday
By Heather Barr THE NEWS-TIMES
BROOKFIELD — Arriving on the front bumper of a firetruck, Santa Claus will greet children Saturday at the town’s annual holiday tree lighting.
“It’s a lot of fun,” said Tom Gallagan, who has played Santa for the event for about 15 years. “I really enjoy it and enjoy the children.”
Gallagan is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10201 in Brookfield, who help with the event. The Brookfield Fire Department will drop off Santa at 5:30 p.m.
First Selectman Martin J. Foncello Jr. will make opening remarks for the ceremony at 5 p.m. at the Brookfield Municipal Center.
“It’s a great way to start the holiday season for everybody,” Foncello said.
The tree lighting ceremony began several years ago near Four Corners and was held at other places over the years until it was moved to the Brookfield Municipal Center in 1997.
Resident Peter Brady will lead people in a sing-along of Christmas carols after Foncello makes opening remarks.
After that, the tree in front of the Brookfield Community Center will be lit. The tree was planted several years ago especially for the ceremony.
Saturday afternoon, the Brookfield Rotary Club will decorate the inside of the community center like Santa’s wonderland, complete with animated characters for the event.
Santa will be inside the center, where children will be able to sit on his lap, tell him what they want for Christmas, and get their picture taken for free by the Brookfield Rotary Club. Film is donated by the Brookfield Parks and Recreation department.
Joan Mattson, member of the Brookfield Rotary Club, said the event brings in many families and children. “It brings the community together for a lot of sharing,” she said.
Bonnie Zschunke, a member of the Brookfield Newcomers & Neighbors Club, said some members of the group will set up a table with hot chocolate, doughnuts and other food that was donated by Dunkin Donuts and Stew Leonard’s. The Brookfield Garden Club will also serve refreshments.
Zschunke said her two children, ages 5 and 2, like going to the event. “They love Santa Claus being there,” she said.
A bell choir from the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, opera singers, face painting and hay rides will also be featured.
The Brookfield Lions Club will park cars.
The Department of Social Services will have a drop off location where people can donate food for the food pantry.
The Village at Brookfield Commons is the title sponsor for the event.
Contact Heather Barr
at hbarr@newstimes.com
or at (203) 731-3331
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