Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/bristolparade

Historic Bristol Borough is gearing up for its annual riverside tree lighting ceremony which promises to be bigger and better than ever. Located at the juncture of Mill Street, the commercial center of town; Historic Radcliffe Street, and overlooking the the landmark Bristol Wharf, the 40 foot spruce tree, complete with over 7000 lights, will be the focal point of family festivities that include free tractor pulled “train” rides for the children, carolers, an ice skating demonstration, a DJ, a “Griswold” decorated storefront, hot chocolate, snacks, free glow sticks and more. The 100 block of Mill Street will be closed to traffic and converted into a visual Christmas wonderland.

Joanna Schneyder, co-chairperson of the event, Said, “There are so many wonderful family activities, but the highlight, of course, is the tree lighting and the arrival of Santa Clause. Our riverfront gazebo, used for concerts in the summer, has been converted into a beautiful space for children to visit Santa.”

Ralph DiGuiseppi, Borough Council president said, “This is a free activity the council provides for the public as a way of saying thank you for their support throughout the year. The borough crew does an outstanding job of securing, transporting and mounting the tree. This year's ceremony promises to be bigger and better than ever.”

Mycle Gorman, a board member of Raising the Bar, the Borough's Economic Development Committee, committed the organization to expand the activities for kids and recruit volunteers to assist with the festivities. “We're confident people will be pleasantly surprised when they see how much the event has expanded. We're excited about how things are falling into place.”

Bill Pezza, Chairman of Raising the Bar and Master of Ceremonies for the event, said “For one night each year, this is our Rockefeller Center.. Last year more than 3000 people attended. We expect much more this year as word spreads. It's a free, wholesome, old fashioned Christmas, and it's fun. With four wonderful restaurants within a block of the festivities, we invite our neighbors to join us for a very good time.

Festivities begin at 6:00pm on Friday, November 28th, and the tree lighting is at 7:00. followed by visits to Santa. The annual Christmas Parade takes place the following day, Saturday, November 29, at 1:00.

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