Jamaica gets in holiday spirit with tree lighting

The fifth annual Jamaica community tree lighting was held on Saturday, December 6 at Rufus King Park to celebrate the holidays and community unity.
The celebratory holiday tree was lit by several children and more than 200 community members and groups.
The event has become an important neighborhood holiday tradition for Jamaica. The newly-planted New Jersey White Spruce was donated and lit by Greater Jamaica Development Corporation.
Following the tree ceremony, the community was joined by elected officials at nearby Blessed Virgin Mary Parish Church. Hundreds of donated presents were given away to children of the diverse community of Jamaica, as a part of the celebration’s program.
“The tree lighting at Rufus King Park is an important tradition for the community of Jamaica,” said Eduardo Barahona of CENTRO HISPANO “Cuzcatln.” “The event continues to bring unity to our diverse community and grow every year because of the collaboration between so many community groups.”