By Michael P. Walsh
Special to the Voice
The West Haven Green Christmas Tree Lighting, presented by Mayor Dorinda Borer in partnership with West Haven United, will herald the holiday season Saturday, complete with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The annual event will commence at 4:30 p.m. with greetings by Borer and Kim Kenny, the master of ceremonies.
DJ Bob DePascale will play holiday-themed music while costumed Christmas characters entertain families around the downtown park.
The Yuletide festivities will include free children’s activities and live performances by the West Haven High School dance team, the Mulkerin School of Irish Dance, Top Hat Dance Academy and West Haven High Theatre Workshop.
Along with train rides and hayrides, kids can ride in the West Haven Fire Department’s 1935 Mack pump firetruck.
The festivities will continue with a sing-along and a demonstration by city police K-9 Sgt. Thomas Marchitto and his police dog, Ado.
At 6 p.m., Borer will welcome merrymakers from a portable stage on the Main Street side of the Green. Santa and Mrs. Claus will then arrive via an escort by the West Haven High cheerleading team to the stage, where they will join the mayor and her special guest to set the tree aglow.
Before returning to the North Pole, Santa and Mrs. Claus will meet children and pose for photos until 7:30 p.m.
Anchored by the city’s official Christmas tree, featuring light strands with multicolored LED bulbs, new decorations and lights will adorn and illuminate the 5-acre park, including the John C. Ireland Bandstand and Victorian lampposts.
The evening of merriment will also include an inflatable Santa’s village and craft stations where children can decorate ornaments, write letters to Santa and make cards for patients at the West Haven VA Medical Center.
Just steps from Santa’s workshop, boys and girls can drop off wish lists at St. Nick’s official U.S. Postal Service mailbox.
Food trucks, including Louise’s Homemade Food & Baked Goods, Don Empanadas and Crave, will sell eats and sweets. Volunteers from West Haven United will sell hot chocolate and other refreshments.
If it rains, the lighting will take place at 5 p.m. Monday.