HANCOCK, Mass. — Scores of residents turned out Saturday evening to ring in a new town tradition.

 

A light coating of snow was on the ground, and holiday spirit was in the air as Hancock lit its new town Christmas tree on the lawn in front of Town Hall.

 

Selectmen Chair Sherman Derby credited Town Secretary Jan Lillie with the inspiration to create an opportunity for residents to celebrate the season and have a permanent symbol to light up the night sky throughout December.

 

Over the summer, a tree was transplanted from a resident's home to the seat of town government on Hancock Road (Route 43). A group of volunteers decorated the tree with lights donated by Bloom Meadows

 

"I just wanted to have a community event to bring everyone together," Lillie said prior to Saturday evening's festivities.

 

Santa Claus came to town to visit with youngsters, and everyone enjoyed snacks donated by Bluebird and Company restaurant.

 

The town's fire engine, fresh off an appearance in the lighted parade parade in nearby Stephentown, N.Y., arrived at Town Hall in time to brighten things up before the ceremony. And after the tree was lit, the crowd joined in singing holiday songs like "Frosty the Snowman," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

 

The tree lighting was added to a roster of holiday events that this year included a community Thanksgiving dinner at the elementary school, the venerable Community Christmas program that distributed more than 100 gift bags to the town's youngsters in 2023 and a Holiday Pot Luck that Lillie is organizing for town officials and employees for later this month.

 

Derby pointed to volunteer efforts like those and the town's recently completed veterans memorial as part of what makes Hancock what it is.

 

"Hancock is all about about Christmas," the longtime selectman said. "Volunteers are what makes the town great."