Greenwood Lake tree lighting and holiday festival celebrates families and businesses
The holiday celebration was not only about family fun, but also to say thanks to the businesses and organizations that supported firefighters and parks employees who worked together while thousands of acres were burned.
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Greenwood Lake held a tree lighting and holiday festival Saturday to celebrate the community's families and its businesses.
Residents also turned out in force for Small Business Saturday to patronize local retailers and to thank the hundreds of firefighters who battled the Jennings Creek Fire for two weeks.
Anthony Laperuta, of Warwick, called the festival the perfect opportunity to raise money for the Greenwood Lake Fire Department.
"They didn't get paid, they spent two weeks out here. I think it's so important what they do and that's why I'm doing this fundraiser. Whatever they need at the firehouse and to be comfortable at home, that's what I want," Laperuta explained.
As residents work to rebuild in the aftermath of the fires, during which an 18-year-old died while battling the fire, Frank Gilbert, of Greenwood Lake, said there is a renewed sense of hope in the holiday season.
"The community has come a long way. It's very community-oriented, everybody takes care of everybody else. Greenwood Lake is a great village and the people are even greater," he added.
