It’s Christmas time and on Friday December 2nd, the Southside neighborhood gathered to usher in the festivities. This was the Annual Southside neighborhood Tree Lighting event sponsored by Syracuse 4th District Common Councilor Latoya Allen and volunteers that included Pastor Kevin Stephens, Onondaga County Public Library Beauchamp Branch, Syracuse Fire Department, and others.
The program began inside the library as children were treated to pizza, snacks, beverages in addition to performances by the RKM Dance Group, as neighborhood children dressed in festive attire. Adults provided guidance as the program moved outside for the focal point of the evening, the lighting of the Southside Neighborhood Christmas tree in the heart of the Sankofa Cultural District. The festive atmosphere wouldn’t be complete without a visit from Santa, and the Syracuse Fire Department handing out Goodie Bags capping off the Southside Christmas Tree Lighting ’22.
Annual Tree Lighting and Children’s Program – A Photo Essay by Malcolm Taylor
The event only promises to grow larger as more development initiatives have begun, across the street is The Castle which organizers envision contributing to making this corner an even larger center of South Side civic and neighborhood activity. In past years there have been others that have taken up the cause of bringing some festive holiday cheer the Southside Neighborhood. Therefore, this baton has been passed on to stakeholders who’ve continued this tradition which has become woven into the fabric of this neighborhood.
Annual Tree Lighting and Children’s Program – A Photo Essay by Malcolm Taylor
Story by Ken Jackson
