Millbrook celebrates the holidays

MILBROOK — The annual tree lighting ceremony in the village of Millbrook took place Friday, Dec. 4; it was attended by a large crowd of children, parents and area residents.

Warren McMillan, recreation director of the town of Washington, pulled the switch to officially begin the holiday season, but nothing happened except for a flash of light. Then Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived in the Millbrook Fire Engine to begin the festivities and all of the lights, as if  by magic, came on.

Families lined up to board the tractor-pulled hay wagons for a tour of the village streets lined with decorated pine trees. This traditional event has been taking place for years. Many in the crowd remembered going on hayrides when they were children themselves, like Bethany Neffel, who brought her son, Haiden. As she took his picture in front of the still empty manger, she said she remembered when she was a little girl putting her Cabbage Patch doll in the hay at the very same spot.

After admiring the displays of the lighted trees, Nativity scene and Santa and his reindeer, everyone went to the firehouse for refreshments provided by the Women’s Auxiliary of the fire company. Children waited patiently in line to see Santa or Mrs. Claus, whisper their Christmas wishes, and receive a gift of a Christmas book.

The festivities were co-sponsored by the Millbrook-Town of Washington Business Association, and the town of Washington Recreation Program and funded in part by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services through the Dutchess County Youth Bureau. Refreshments at the firehouse were served courtesy of the Women’s Auxiliary.

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