Aston Welcomes the Holidays With Tree Lighting and Winter Festival

by Loretta Rodgers.

More than 500 Aston residents attended the township’s annual tree lighting and winter festival, which took place December 4 at the community center.

Prior to the lighting of the township Christmas tree, songs of the season were performed by the Aston and Pennell Elementary Choirs. After the tree was lit, Santa Claus made his grand entrance riding high above an Aston Township fire truck.

The winter festival, which was held inside the community center gymnasium, was organized by the township recreation committee and featured a magician, arts and crafts, ornament making, puppeteer, visits by Mickey and Minnie Mouse, letters to Santa, and of course, a visit and pictures with Santa Claus.

Upon entering, children received a goody bag filled with a brightly decorated cookie, and other items.

Refreshments included pretzels in the shape of a candy cane, hot chocolate, cookies, lemonade, and water.

Green Drop was also on site collecting gently used clothing.

The winter festival committee was chaired by Kit Spayd and included Alma Carroll, Florence Fisher, 2nd Ward Commissioner Carol Graham, Judy Kirby and a countless number of volunteers.

“I’d like to express my appreciation to everyone who helped us with this event, and special thanks to the public works employees,” said Spayd. “We started planning this festival early in the year and once again the hard work paid off and put smiles on the faces of Aston residents and especially the children. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and look forward to next year’s event.”