The Springfield community came together to light the Christmas Tree outside Town Hall and the First Aid Squad last night, Tuesday, December 5, 2023. Upwards of 1,000 children and adults packed the municipal complex grounds on the 40 degree night for a live concert featuring local talent including Taye McQueen, singer, actress, and Jonathan Dayton High School Class of 2011 graduate; students of Front & Center for Performing Arts of Springfield owned by Renee Celeste-Lira and Julie Lira; and members of the Jonathan Dayton High School All Stars under the direction of Ben Krupit. After the performances, Mayor Christopher Capodice -- standing with Deputy Mayor Alex Keiser, Committeemen Richard Huber, Director of Recreation Adam Lieb, and Assistant Director of Recreation Brendan O'Reilly -- offered greetings and led the countdown to the tree lighting. The crowd was then treated to an appearance by Santa Claus who posed for hundreds of photos and distributed candy canes to a long line of families. During the event, the Grinch and a Toy Soldier on stilts interacted with children and posed for photos. Children also practiced their wintry snowball aim in the new Snow Throw Inflatable. Hot pretzels were provided by the Springfield Recreation Department; local coupon books and give-aways were distributed by the Springfield Business Improvement District (B.I.D.); donuts and hot chocolate were served by the Springfield F.M.B.A. Local #57; and the First Aid Squad passed out hand warmers and glow necklaces. Throughout the night, Springfield Unity Project (S.U.P.) collected non-perishable food items for needy community members; and the First Presbyterian Church of Springfield collected grocery gift cards to donate to resident families in need. Several members of Scouts BSA Troop #73 were on hand to lead the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) Church and Cannon Chapter had a tent under which sponsorships were offered for veteran's wreaths for Wreaths Across America and coloring pages for children. Other Township officials in attendance included: Linda Donnelly, Municipal Clerk; John Cook, Police Chief; Michael Mastroeni, Fire Administrative Captain; Apu Mullick, First Aid Squad Chief; Frank Applegate, Office of Emergency Management Deputy Coordinator; Tamara Vega, Registrar of Vital Statistics; Robert Sabol, Department of Public Works Buildings & Grounds Technician; Mike Scalera, Springfield Patriot Chamber of Commerce Co-Chairman; as well as members of many departments' staffs. Photos by: Erin McNany, Springfield Recreation Department