First Selectwoman Jen Tooker was joined by by second selectwoman Andrea Moore, Westport Operations Director Tom Kiely and CT 136th District Representative Jonathan Steinberg for the well loved annual holiday tradition. Ms. Tooker noted the efforts of Westport DPW in getting the tree ready for the big moment, which takes the entire day to accomplish. Said Ms. Tooker, “While this is always a special occasion, full of hope and warmth, it feels even more significant this year. The last few years have brought us closer together as a community. We’ve demonstrated that we can face any challenge with kindness and support for one another – and we’re always striving to be a more welcoming community where everyone feels like they belong. That’s really what it’s all about isn’t it? Coming together as Westporters, as neighbors and as Americans to make this a happy and joyful holiday season for everyone”.

Getting this event together takes quite an effort. The nearly 50 foot tree is out of reach for the town bucket truck so the town has contracted with The Davey Tree Expert Company for the last several years which brings a pair of very tall bucket trucks enabling them to wrap the approximately 3500 LED lights around the tree, a project which takes the entire day.

As usual Westport's Ophenians provided the entertainment and began the event by performing several holiday favorites. When the big moment arrived Ms. Tooker invited children from the crowd to help with the countdown. The Westport Museum For History And Culture provided hot chocolate to warm up the audience on what was a chilly night.

The glowing lighted tree delighted the children and was a perfect backdrop for family photos.

Photos by J.C. Martin for WestportLocal.com     Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery