Carolers to Help Light Christmas Tree, Gazebo on Thursday Evening

The gazebo at Patton Park and Christmas tree outside People's United Bank in Hamilton will both be lit on Thursday night with the help of Christmas carolers.

And everyone is invited. The event is free and open to the public and starts at 6:30 p.m.

There's two big changes this year - it has been moved from a Sunday night to a Thursday night and will include "Music Man" Brian Doser as the master of ceremonies.

"It's different this year because we have Brian," said Peter Stewart, who will help lead everyone in Christmas carols.

Stewart and Joe Scuderi will join Doser for a caroling sing-a-long at the Community House before moving on to the lighting of the gazebo and later the Christmas tree.

The evening will start with Arbella Brass playing out of the Community House portico.

Stewart said everyone should bring their kids and their appetites since there will be some popular cookies from Coffee Time being served, plus hot chocolate.

And while temperatures may likely be below freezing, Stewart said there is "no such thing as bad weather, there's only bad clothes."

The event has been happening for at least 20 years, Stewart said, noting the idea first took off as the the brainchild of Stewart and Ann Marie Cullen. And it has the support each year from Paul Regal of the Hamilton Department of Public Works, who maintains the lights.

"It's so exciting to see the kids when the lights come on," Stewart said.