Alexis Fedor & family
 

Joys of the Season
The 2011 Park Avenue Tree Lighting


The balmy weather brought out a record number of people for the annual lighting of the
Park Avenue Memorial trees last Sunday evening (December 4th). Nearly 6000 people
gathered on Park Avenue outside of the Brick Presbyterian Church (at 91st Street) to ring
in the holiday season and to recognize the men and women currently serving in our
nation’s armed forces – especially those have lost their lives. Trees were first lit on the
avenue in 1945 following World War II and the tradition continues to this day.

The family-friendly hour was led by the Reverend Michael Lindvall, senior pastor of
Brick Church, who dedicated “these trees and their lights to those who died for peace and
freedom.” He also thanked everyone “who made contributions to provide for the trees”
and recognized the role of The Fund for Park Avenue in coordinating the effort.

Minister of Music, Keith S. Tóth, led the crowd and members of the Brick Church Children’s
Choir in several Christmas carols. Following a rendition of “Taps,” Rev. Lindvall said
the “traditional words of hope: ‘Let There Be Light!.”
With that, the tree opposite the church was illuminated and then the others followed in rapid succession. Barbara McLaughlin, President of
The Fund for Park Avenue, confirmed that the 104 Balsam firs which line the avenue from 54th to 96th Streets are lit each night from 5 p.m. until midnight – each with approximately 25 strands of white and
gold lights. She went on to say that none of this would be possible without the support that The Fund receives from the community.

Each year over 1200 “friends of Park
Avenue” contribute close to $400,000 which covers all of the costs associated with the Tree Lighting.