By Jeff Slovin, Contributing Writer
Northborough – Several hundred people gathered to watch the Northborough Tree Lighting ?Dec. 7.?? The annual tradition dates back to 1968, when the tree was planted in memory of Northborough resident Neil Ellsworth, who was killed in Vietnam the previous year, according to Selectman Jeff Amberson.? Several members of the Ellsworth family were present for the tree lighting.
Westborough's Hundredth Town Chorus led a sing-a-long of holiday carols and representatives of United Bank, the event's main sponsor, provided cookies and hot cocoa.? Northboro House of Pizza provided free pizza and collected donations for the Northborough Food Pantry.
The event was organized by the Northborough Community Affairs Committee. ?I t was the culminating event in a daylong celebration, the eight annual Holiday Trolley, which was sponsored by many of the town's small businesses.
Photos/Jeff Slovin