NEWBURGH - The Broadway Tree, courtesy of Rob Vasta, who is with the City of Newburgh Police, arrived on December 4, 2012 and was lit with the help of Santa Claus on Friday, December 7th. The Salvation Army Band played Christmas Carols, and refreshments followed the event at the Karpeles Museum, 94 Broadway.
The Christmas tree, which is approximately 30 feet tall and weighing in at 3,100 lbs., was installed on Broadway with the help of Michael Bigg, Jr., Inc. and Quality Autobody, Vails Gate, who once again donated their crane. From take down to placement in the Broadway median, crane operator John Ammirati offered his expertise for the 11th year in a row.
DPW Superintendent George Garrison and his expert crew, Hector Iglesias, Paul Taylor, James Humphrey, Leander Williams, Robert Krom, Salvatore Colandrea, Jocephous Smith, Sr., Christopher McGuinness, and Antonio Martinez orchestrated everything from take-down to installation of the tree in the median just down from City Hall. The tree was then beautifully decorated by DPW over the next couple of days.
From the search for the perfect tree to the arrival of Santa Claus, Deputy Mayor Regina Angelo has coordinated the City’s holiday celebration for more than a quarter century.
"I want to thank everyone who offered a tree or helped spread the word about finding a Christmas tree for Broadway," said Angelo. "I also want to thank Michael Bigg, Jr. Inc., the City DPW, the City of Newburgh Police Department, the Salvation Army, the Karpeles Museum, and the Friends of the Library for all they do every year to make this possible."
