MONROE, CT — Children joined Save Our Stepney Task Force President Joel Leneker in the gazebo on Stepney Green Saturday night to sing “Frosty the Snowman”, in hopes the most famous snowman of all would find them at SOS’s 21st annual Tree Lighting.
A wave of excitement flowed through the crowd and children shouted, “Frosty”, when the Stepney Volunteer Fire Co. truck he was aboard cruised along Main Street with its lights and sirens on.
Young fans greeted Frosty with hi-fives after he stepped off the truck and made his way to the gazebo, where he led a countdown to the lighting of the Christmas tree and the crowd erupted into cheers.
The event featured Christmas carols sung by the Just Voices choral group and children listened to Greg Loehr perform a reading of “T’was the Night Before Christmas”. Monroe Boy Scout Troop 162 served donuts on one end of the green and some attendees warmed themselves by a fire.
The ceremony was emceed by Leneker and First Selectman Ken Kellogg spoke to the crowd from the gazebo as a special guest.
After the tree lighting, The Rev. Kevin Merritt, of Stepney Baptist Church, invited everyone to a carol sing in the church with hot chocolate and fresh baked cookies.
What an amazing night…old friends, new friends, community, hope and love…….
The kids were electrified with the arrival
Of frosty. Never has there been such excitement for frosty in all the years of hosting this event. Great job everyone.