Large crowd gathers to see tree lights go on

SHARON — It was chilly, let there be no mistake about it. But an unusually large crowd gathered, nonetheless, on the Green to take part in the annual tree lighting, which was held Dec. 6 at sunset, around 4:45 p.m.

At 4:30, players with the Salisbury Band Christmas Brass and Hot Chocolate Society were warming up their instruments. Many had tiny lights on their hats, to help them read their sheet music in the dark.

Although most visitors showed up right at sunset, many came early and milled around the tree. Children crowded together on benches. Adults in long coats and scarves searched out copies of the lyrics to the holiday songs.

The band began playing first, then the singers joined in and soon the clear, black night sky turned tutti-frutti as the multicolored lights on the tallest tree on the Green came to life.

The holiday crèche was also populated with tiny figures, and will await the arrival of a special addition on Dec. 24.