Milford’s annual tree lighting ceremony did not happen this year due to Covid-19 regulations. The lights have been put up by the city’s Public Works Department, but were not lit in front of hundreds of people this November.  

     The annual tree lighting consists of several activities in downtown Milford, including hot chocolate, pictures with Santa, caroling, and quality time with family. However, this year Milford’s residents missed out on this great night.

     Many families have a yearly tradition of gathering together to celebrate the holidays and watch the tree’s light up the green. 

     Senior Emily McNulty says, “I missed the actual gathering that the tree lighting brings, seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces and the excitement of Christmas coming.” 

     Everyone loves to watch the trees be lit in November, but many don’t know the work put into this special night. Milford’s Public Works Department spends the whole month of November wrapping lights around the trees for everyone to enjoy during the holiday season. 

     Public Works employee Todd Haight says, “It is a challenging and timely process. We use aerial bucket trucks to get the lights on the high trees and ladders for the smaller trees. We test the lights as we put them on the trees to be ready for the tree lighting.” 

     Public Works employee, Richard Lambert says, “Over the last two years we decided to change things up as far as the colors of the trees. This year we wanted to bring some extra holiday joy to Milford’s residents during this crazy year.” 

     Driving through the green, people have noticed a change in the theme of this year’s lights. Lambert says, “The pink tree is dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness, the red white and blue tree is a tribute to our Veterans, and this year we added a purple and white tree to represent Pancreatic Cancer and Autism.”

     The Public Works Department says it is a rewarding experience to see all the families enjoying the lights.

     This year Milford Prevention Council hosted the first “Frosty Fest” in Downtown Milford. According to @milfordprevention on Instagram, you can buy a snowman online at MilfordPrevention.org/FrostFest. These snowmen or candy canes can be purchased by any family or business and are to be painted, and designed to your own desire. There are currently several on display right now from local businesses and families. 

     These 3’ tall snowmans are showcased on the green and provide extra holiday joy to Milford’s residents this season.

     The Public Works Department says it is a rewarding experience to see all the families enjoying the lights.