JACKSON – Not even a pandemic was going to stop the annual yuletide tradition of Jackson’s Tree Lighting.
Many other area town tree lightings that were planned were canceled. Not so in Jackson. COVID conditions were well maintained and fun was had by all.
“We do this for the kids. Jackson wasn’t going to miss a tree lighting,” Mayor Michael Reina said.
Township officials, Recreation Department staff, Department of Public Works and plenty of families came out during a Saturday evening to make sure that the holiday spirit was celebrated.
Jackson Recreation/Special Events Coordinator Joeylynn Anderson said that while the COVID-19 pandemic made things a bit unique this year, there was never a doubt that the show would go on.
“We have decorations and the guys from the DPW made the big light switch and we pre-bagged everything (for the giveaways) so this year people aren’t grabbing individual cookies and stuff like that,” Anderson said.
This year Santa was sitting on the steps of one the township historic museum buildings and the children sat on a bench in front of him for photos by their parents or guardians. “This is instead of sitting on Santa’s lap,” Anderson added.
She said the event was a group effort. “The entire public works and recreation department came out. It’s a lot. The DPW is great. They’ve been out here since after Thanksgiving to put everything together.”
Decorations included a small manger scene, various inflatable characters, a candy cane walkway and plenty of lights.
“We’re giving out bags with reusable coffee cups and water,” Anderson added. Members of the Recreation department like Kathy Sevcenko, Annette Schultz and Connie Sidor set up their giveaway table and made sure the hot cocoa was at the ready.
Members of the Jackson Kiwanis Club were also busy with their pre-wrapped items which included holiday coloring books. Among those present were Treasurer Carol Johnson, Secretary Lois Kapp, President Joan Ackerman, Vice President Cheryl Lewis, and members Robin and Ralph Aponte and Pam Flockhari.
This year’s activities due to the pandemic were all outside but everyone weathered the wind and the chill in the air. Normally, the Christmas tree ceremony would include some musical performances in the council chambers prior to the main event, the lighting of the tree and Santa’s arrival.
This year, attendees had some fancy foot work to observe in the form of dancers from the Diamond Dance Academy who kicked up their heels in the Township Complex parking lot.
Joining Mayor Reina were Council President Alex Sauickie, Councilmen Steve Chisholm and Martin Flemming who greeted residents and watched the tree’s illumination.
Among the excited families who turned out for the event for their first Jackson Christmas tree lighting were Melissa and Jeff Hamadyk and their children, 6-year-old CJ and 3-year-old Madison.
“We moved to Jackson three years ago before we had Madison so this is our first time coming but we have enjoyed Jackson Day and Jackson has never disappointed with anything they ever do,” Melissa Hamadyk said.
She added that, “they (the Township) have been very generous to the children.”
Other first timers were members of the Meyer family. Carson Meyer, 4, sported his own holiday lights as he posed for photos by his parents standing next to his 2-year-old sister Reagan. They were eager to see the tree lit and see Santa Claus.
“Welcome everybody. Thank you for coming out and enjoying the celebration with us. I know it is a rough year so for the members of the Township Council and myself we want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a very happy new year,” the mayor said.
The mayor added, “we’re going to light this big beautiful tree and I have some help with me this year.” He was joined by two 4-year-old Jackson siblings, Jordan and Haven Sinowitz. The duo had the task of lifting up the giant switch to activate the lights on the tree.
It took a few tries to get the light bulbs going. “Come on let’s go,” the mayor said looking up to the tree in wonder. “What happened? Try it again!” he suggested to his young helpers.
“Pull it down again,” the crowd called out in amusement.
“Uh oh, maybe we didn’t pay the electric bill,” Mayor Reina said as the two children pulled the switch up and down several more times. The crowd continued to laugh.
Finally, the lights lit up the tree and the sky. Everyone cheered and applauded.
The fun wasn’t over yet though. Mayor Reina pointed across the street seeing a township fire truck. “Santa is coming! Santa’s in the truck and he’s coming over to say hello!”
“Santa Claus is Coming to Town” began to play over the loud speaker and that jolly old elf, Kris Kringle himself, waved to children as he exited the vehicle and made his way to his special chair for the evening.
