Monessen lights tree in virtual ceremony
By TAYLOR BROWN
tbrown@yourmvi.com
Monessen residents ushered in the holiday season virtually on Saturday.
Monessen Mayor Matt Shorraw livestreamed the tree-lighting ceremony to his Facebook page and the city’s official social media page.
Originally, the event planned by the city and the Monessen Community Development Corporation, would have welcomed city residents downtown for holiday treats, a chance to meet Santa and to sing along with carolers.
More than 600 area residents tuned in to the virtual events and almost 900 residents saw the video after it streamed. Holiday traditions carried through the online approach.
“I thought it went well considering it was a new experience to do something like this virtually,” Shorraw said. “Everyone who participated was very flexible.”
Pastor John Custer of Orchard Christian Fellowship Church opened the ceremony with a blessing, followed by holiday Christmas favorites performed by local musician Shane Turner and a visit from Santa.
The tree, decorated by the city’s parks department, was lit by 6-year-old Monessen resident Julian Nahas.
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