Shawville’s annual tree lighting took place at Veterans Memorial Park Friday evening, with roughly 50 people in attendance.

Hot chocolate and cookies were donated by the Municipality of Shawville. Those wanting to bring extra Christmas cheer met up at New Hope Christian Fellowship Church prior to the lighting and sang Christmas Carols while walking down Main Street to the park.

The event was emceed by Patti Moffatt who, with mayors of both Shawville and Clarendon by her side, led the community in song.

Moffatt said she usually chooses the Christmas carols to be sung but this year she wanted the audience to do the choosing.

The first carol shouted out was Twelve Days of Christmas to which Moffatt joked, “Oh my goodness, I walked into that one. We’re going to be in the cold longer.”

The crowd, however, enthusiastically sang it, followed by Jingle Bells and Away in a Manger before Moffatt told a short story on why tree lightings happen and how we aren’t unique in our community in hosting them.

The countdown then began and the park was lit up, much to the amazement of those in attendance. The crowd then sang Silent Night and Moffatt concluded with a summary of what Christmas trees symbolize. She wished everyone a Merry Christmas and turned the mic over to Shawville Mayor Bill McCleary who thanked Moffatt and said, “I hope everyone stays until the hot chocolate is gone.”