The lighted Christmas tree stands tall and bright over the rotary.
Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy
EAST LONGMEADOW — The center of East Longmeadow is officially illuminated for the holiday season.
On Dec. 5, the Lions Club sponsored the Christmas tree lighting at the First Congregational Church. Before the lighted truck parade began, which was delayed a half hour due to an accident in the rotary, children played in the snow while holiday music aired over the crowd.
Families gathered while children played in the snow in preparation for the truck parade and tree lighting. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy 
A rabbit even showed up for the festivities. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy 
Inflatable Santa made an appearance in the back of a lighted truck. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy 
Rent-a-Tent’s lit up truck at the beginning of the parade. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy 
Trucks included within the parade. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy 
Trucks included within the parade. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy 
Trucks included within the parade. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy 
Trucks included within the parade. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy 
Trucks included within the parade. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy 
Trucks included within the parade. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy 
Santa arrives in the passenger seat of a firetruck. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy 
Santa prepares to officially light the tree. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy
When the parade began, 12 trucks and cars decked out in Christmas lights made their way around the rotary, honking their horns to ring in the holiday season. Santa arrived at the end, waving to the crowd in an East Longmeadow fire truck.
Santa made his way to the tree and thanked everyone who donated their time to make the event possible. When the main event finally arrived, the crowd counted down from 10, and the lights came on. He then made his way into the church to meet with children.
