Tree-Lighting Wraps Up Thanksgiving

The sixth annual tree-lighting ceremony at the Crescent Park Carousel in Riverside will put a wrap on Thanksgiving weekend as it always does.

The ceremony will run on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 25, from 3 pm to around 6 pm, said Tracy Johnson, secretary to the East Providence Carousel Commission.

“We will light the tree around 5:30,” she said.

You may want to arrive a little earlier to get your photo taken with Santa Claus. He will hitch a ride on a fire truck to get to the carousel around 3 pm.

“He will be available for photos until 5 pm,” said Johnson.

Previous tree-lighting ceremonies have drawn throngs of East Providence holiday-goers to the park at 700 Bullocks Point Ave. The carousel will not be working, but the building housing it will be open for photos and goodies. The final day of operation for the carousel was Columbus Day.

The tree lighting is free and open to anyone. Any donations collected in exchange for baked goods, hot chocolate and cider will fund the continued restoration of the iconic Charles I.D. Looff Carousel.

“The Chorus of East Providence will sing Christmas carols after the tree lighting,” said Johnson.

The chorus is donating its time this year, she said. The group will sing for 20 to 30 minutes.