HOPE E. TREMBLAY
Southwick’s first Winter Forest was deemed a huge success by organizers from the Southwick Civic Fund, Southwick 250 Committee and all those who attended.
Sponsors decorated trees both inside and outside Town Hall, with most incorporating their business or Southwick in the theme. The Reminder Publications’ Westfield News and Pennysaver tree features wooden ornaments of tractors, barns and fishing boats in keeping with Southwick’s agricultural heritage and lake life. The Mason Agency tree is covered with farm animal ornaments, the Parks and Recreation tree is adorned with natural elements, including dried flowers, Moolicious’ tree has ice cream ornaments and Mrs. Murphy’s decorated with – what else? – donuts.
The trees that received the top number of votes all tugged at people’s heartstrings: The Southwick Police Association, Southwick Fire Association and Southern Tri-Town Girl Scouts.
The Girls Scouts took home third place bragging rights for its tree, which features girl scout cookie boxes-turned-ornaments. The scouts created a ribbon garland with the Girl Scout motto and a giant Samoa cookie tops the tree. It’s pretty adorable and makes me want to pre-order some Tag-alongs!
Taking second place was the Fire Association tree. At first glance, I thought it was clever and cute. It is covered in firefighter themes ornaments and has a wooden ladder with elves climbing to the top of the tree. What sealed the deal for me is the fire hose used as garland. I admi, I love this tree. But when Fire Chief Russ Anderson told me the ornaments were donated by the family of fallen Southwick Firefighter John McKay, I totally teared up. It’s a beautiful tribute to his service.
The real tearjerker is the Southwick Police Association tree, which was the first place winner among voters. It’s a beautiful tree, with a blue and white theme and plenty of lights (lots of lights are a must for me!). Again, at first glance, I thought it was pretty and well done. But then I found out that there was significant meaning behind it and each ornament was made especially for this tree with the name of a police officer who died in 2019. How could anyone else compete with that?
If you haven’t been to see the trees, you still have the opportunity to view them through Christmas. The indoor trees can be seen during Town Hall business hours and the outdoor trees are lit nightly from 6-8 p.m.
I think by now faithful readers know I love holidays and decorating. And, by the way, the Holiday Home Tour was amazing, and I ended up with 10 trees of varying size in my home!
Tell us about your favorite holiday decorations in Westfield Southwick and the Hilltowns. Send me a note at [email protected].
