With Christmas around the corner, it was time for The Oaklawn Grange Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, held on Dec. 14 at the Gazebo and inside the Oaklawn Grange near the Wilbur Ave. Bridge. The cold evening did not keep people away, and the light snow covering on the ground added to the Christmas spirit.

The Christmas Tree and Gazebo were lit by Mayor Allan Fung and his wife, Barbara Ann Fenton, along with children who volunteered to help. The event included visits with Santa Claus, holiday music by the BASIC’s Holiday Glee Club, hayrides provided by New Deal Farm and snacks and activities for children. There were balloon creations by Antknee Anthony Marrapese, activities, cookies and hot cocoa.

Horses Eddie and Lenny were driven by co-owner of New Deal Farm, Julie Kliever. Children of all ages huddles in the carriage for rides throughout Oaklawn Village.

The favorite for the children was getting time in with Santa Claus, who arrived by a Cranston Fire truck and then rode to the Grange to meet with his fans, just before Christmas.

A crowd of approximately 200 gathered and many brought canned goods to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank.

The Oaklawn Grange was organized in 1909 by 38 people who met at the Old Meeting House, at the location of what is now the Oaklawn Baptist Church. At that time, Oaklawn was a farming community, and the church donated the meeting house as a place of fellowship.