Tree lighting ceremony held in Spfld.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The annual tradition of holiday tree lighting is in full swing.

In Forest Park, the community came together to turn the lights on at The Forest Park Business Association's 2nd annual tree lighting ceremony in Springfield.

Families and business owners gathered at Sal's Bakery on Belmont Ave, where they enjoyed Christmas carols, horse drawn wagon rides and refreshments.

Business owner, Salvatore Circosta told 22News, it's an event that brings the community together to kick-off the holiday season.

Circosta said, “There is a symbol present here. A lit symbol in that, in a sense. To gather the community together, to show we're a safe community here, that we are really neighbors loving our city.”

The FPBA also honored this year's unspoken Forest Park Hero, longtime resident and member of the Forest Park Citizenship Association, Mary Ann Maloney.