Abloom in Christmas bliss: Lilac City tree lighting signals start of that special time

Alan Johnson, chairman of the board for the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, stands with three helpers who aided flicking the switch to light up the city Christmas tree of 2021. (Rochester Voice photos)

ROCHESTER - It was Christmas Tree night in Rochester on Friday as the city celebrated the advent of the holiday seasons with the lighting of its Christmas Tree in Central Square, while just a stone's throw away the annual Festival of Trees was under way at Studley's Flower Gardens.

The downtown lighting of the spruce tree donated by city resident Mike Ferullo was followed by the reading of "The Night Before Christmas" by Mayor-elect Paul Sullivan, who will take office in January.

Mayor-elect Paul Callaghan reads 'The Night Before Christmas' to a crowd of several hundred during Friday night's Christmas Tree lighting at Central Square in Rochester.

Rochester Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Chairman Alan Johnson of Atlantic Broadband also made some brief remarks, including reminding the crowd of several hundred that Sunday's Christmas Parade - themed a Comic Book Christmas - begins at 3 p.m. and will wend its way from Spaulding High School to the Rochester Common.

After the lighting of the tree with the help of three youngsters, Studio 109 dancers took to the streets, performing a series of intricate dance routines that had

JINGLE BELL JIVE: Studio 109 dancers perform one of their routines during Friday evening's Christmas Tree lighting in Central Square.

eventgoers shouting their approval.

Johnson said he was very pleased with the turnout and hoped even more would show up for Sunday's parade.

This year's tree was decorated by students at the Monarch School of New England, St. Elizabeth Seton School, and children at the YMCA Child Care Center.

This tree lighting was underwritten by First Seacoast Bank. The Rochester Voice served as media partner.

Meanwhile, over at Studley's a flood of attendees pored over dozens of exquisitely

CHRISTMAS BUSTING OUT ALL OVER: David Meulenbroek of Studley Flower Gardens shows some love for one of the more uniquely adorned trees at Rochester's Festival of Trees raffle event that continues today at 3 p.m. Looking on is Martha T. Soto Galicia of Lebanon, Maine.

decorated Christmas trees, many of which came adorned not only with lights and baubles but also gift cards for area businesses.

The showing of the trees continues today from 3-7 p.m. The event is held at Studley's Flower Gardens at 82 Wakefield St.

The festival offers the public an opportunity to win dozens of wonderfully decorated trees donated by area businesses and organizations.

Admission to the Festival is $5 each day and includes 5 raffle tickets for the drawings. Children enter free. Additional raffle tickets are also available for purchase to increase the chances of winning.

Today's festivities at Studley's include holiday music and a visit from Santa from 5-7 p.m.

All drawings are pulled tonight at 7 p.m. Winners do not need to be present to win. If not present, winners will receive a phone call and must respond. Winners can collect the winnings after the event concludes Saturday or on Sunday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Unclaimed trees and gifts by 1 p.m. Sunday will be forfeited.

Guests can also vote for their favorite trees in categories of "Best Dressed" and "Most Creative."

Proceeds from the Festival of Trees benefit the downtown Rochester district through Rochester Main Street. Rochester Main Street is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to the economic and visual enhancement of downtown Rochester.

And Sunday's weather appears to be holding out for a successful parade with skies turning cloudy late in the day and a high of 40. The parade is underwritten by Service Credit Union. The Rochester Voice is media partner.