Tree Lighting a Success Despite Being Virtual

Thanks to the help of WCAT Director, Mike Cabral and Executive Director of the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce, Betsy Shane, this year’s virtual tree lighting was a success. The program, which is approximately one hour and fifteen minutes long, showcases a long list of entertaining acts and holiday greetings.

Kicking off the virtual ceremony, were masked dance performances by students from Jessica Gordon School of Performing Arts. Paula Flaherty and her dog Benny did their best rendition of Holly Jolly Christmas, while the team at East Boston Savings Bank and a group from Parks and Recreation took Jingle Bells to the next level. The Tennen Family invited viewers into their home to share their Hanukkah tradition. Several youngsters made their big screen debut as they doled out holiday greetings and students of all ages from the Winthrop School of Performing Arts pulled off flawless dance numbers. Ben Houghton narrated Snowmen at Christmas and Jonathan LaMaster shared his musical talent with a rendition of Mele Kalikimaka. For Kids Only led a kid’s craft and Cervizzi’s Martial Arts demonstrated a variety of different techniques taught in the studio.

According to Shane, several residents shared positive reviews of the first-ever virtual tree lighting, which was also the 29^th annual holiday event in the town.

Many local businesses and organizations shared in the festivities including:

Cervizzi’s Martial Arts

For Kids Only

Honan Sign company

La Siesta

Winthrop Book Depot

Antique Table

Balloon City

Robin’s Nest Boutique and Fine Gifts

For Kid’s Only

East Boston Savings Bank

The Winthrop Lodge of Elks

WINARC

Special Sponsors who made the event possible:

Leary Mechanical Inc.

Macfarland Insurance

Paul W. Marks Co.

Robin’s Nest

Speaker of the House Bob DeLeo

The Cal-Zone

Massport

Please check out the show at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7McglGV_JVE&t=147s