By Ben Goodman and Danae Holmes, Western Mass News
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – While people across the country prepare for their Thanksgiving feasts, it’s never too early to begin thinking about the festive season.
For the fifth year in a row, the Springfield Redevelopment Authority hosted their Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Union Station.
The holiday cheer was in full swing on the station’s concourse, as officials and neighbors gathered to light the tree and celebrate, with performances from musicians from the Community Music School of Springfield.
Western Mass News caught up with Congressman Richard Neal to hear how an event like this inspires the community, telling us, “Thanksgiving is just around the corner, Christmas not far behind, and then of course, the optimism of the new year! I think watching these children today, the enthusiasm, the excitement, and the talent from Kensington and certainly the community music school, they’re all part of the fabric of Springfield, we’re really proud of them.”
Along with local leaders, Santa Claus himself was in attendance to add to the holiday spirit! He got the time to speak with us, saying “You come to union station this time of year and you see people with the big smiles on their faces going to visit family or expecting family in, or going off to have an adventure, people are very happy here…Remember as you’re sitting around the tree, the important presents are not what’s under the tree, but those sharing it around you, so just remember to be kind to everyone.”
