By Patrick Cooley
BROOKFIELD — More than 50 people showed up Saturday night for a celebration that Brookfield Township hopes will start an annual tradition.
They gathered around the gazebo at the center of the township green on State Route 7 between Warren Sharon Road and state Route 82. The gazebo had a Christmas tree at the center, decorated by lights and ornaments donated by township residents.
In front of that tree was a red chair on which Santa Claus sat after coming to the green on a township fire truck.
But before St. Nick showed up, Deborah Sanders of Farrell sang Christmas songs and township Trustee Gary Lees invited several children up to the gazebo to lead the crowd in singing whatever songs they wanted.
“We had a really decent crowd,” Lees said.
Several years ago, the township had a choir sing at the green, but there hasn’t been an annual event. Township officials said they would like that to change.
Lees said they might try different celebrations in the future.
“We’re looking at other avenues,” he said. “Like possibly having a Christmas dance at the firehouse with the entire community invited. Next year we might try to have an ensemble with the high school band or choir.”
Kortney Schiska of Brookfield, who came with a group of children, both hers and her friends, said she would look forward to having a holiday celebration every year.
“Hopefully it will grow in years to come,” she said.
Many parents and grandparents brought their children and grandchildren, and almost all of them came to see Santa Claus.
That’s why Pat Roth of Masury brought her 3-year-old grandson, Jacob Hodge.
“He’s going to ask Santa for a motorcyke,” she said. “That’s short for motorcycle.”
Mrs. Roth said she was also looking forward to the holiday celebration becoming an annual event.
“It’s really nice,” she said.
