Editor's note: Accompanying photos of the Ram Pasture event are all by Eliza Hallabeck, and all images from the Sandy Hook Tree Lighting are by Alissa Silber.

With the final of three local tree lighting events slated for this weekend, the 37th Annual Ram Pasture Tree Lighting and the Sandy Hook Tree Lighting highlighted not only memories of loved ones alongside the season's brightness but also the importance of being kind.

On Friday evening, December 3, Committee members Diana Johnson and Amy Mangold welcomed everyone in the gathered crowd to the Ram Pasture Tree Lighting and thanked all who helped make it possible.

Mangold also announced a special thank you to Stan Perrone, who died last year. While holding a framed photo of Perrone, Mangold said he was involved with the Ram Pasture Tree Lighting for decades.

“He set up all the electricity for the threes. He had such a care for this event and making sure everything went smoothly for the trees to light,” Mangold said, to applause from the audience.

First Selectman Dan Rosenthal, when he spoke, said, “I always say this is the most beautiful night in Newtown.”

He also thanked everyone who volunteered to make the night possible.

“From my family to yours, I hope whatever you celebrate… is wonderful and this holiday season you find joy and meaning. And I hope you enjoy the beauty of tonight. I know I will,” Rosenthal said.

Musical performing groups for the evening included Newtown High School’s male acapella group the XY Chromotones, NHS’s female acapella group Asking For Treble, and NHS’s Singers.

Dance performances were offered by dancers from Lathrop School of Dance and Ashurst Academy of Irish Dance.

Later “Santa Clause” announced the trees were about to be lit. The only light around Hawley Pond in those moments came from the luminaria and the one highlighting Santa on stage.

As the crowd waited, Santa said children often ask him what it means to be “good.” He said it means being kind to everyone, even those you are not friends.

And with that, the jolly old elf hit the switch to light both trees. After a prolonged silence, footsteps and the mingling voices of children and parents could be heard again.

About 24 hours later, residents gathered along the sidewalks of Sandy Hook Village to enjoy the annual Sandy Hook Tree Lighting festivities hosted by SHOP — the Sandy Hook Organization for Prosperity.

Families had the opportunity to meet Santa Claus, who was stationed on Church Hill Road, and join in the fun of karaoke on Washington Avenue. For the latter, participants sang a variety of holiday songs, including “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Santa Baby.”

There were also donations being collected for FAITH Food Pantry and volunteers participated in bell ringing for Salvation Army.

At 6 pm, long-time SHOP leader and Sandy Hook resident Joe Hemingway got everyone’s attention on the microphone and announced it was time to light up the two Sandy Hook trees.

He mentioned how last year they did not have the event, but that it was “great to have a crowd back in Sandy Hook for the tree lighting.”

Hemingway received help from multiple children in counting down from 10 before the multicolored lights lit up the main tree, located next to Sabrina Style. Then another tree across the street was illuminated in green-and-white lights.

The tradition of lighting the second tree began in 2013 after the tragic events at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.

Hemingway led everyone in a moment of silence and followed it by saying, “Be kind to one another… Merry Christmas, Sandy Hook!”

Crowds lingered on the sidewalks after the official lighting to marvel at the enormous trees before them and spend more time with family and friends at the outdoor event.

The final and 11th annual community tree lighting event in Hawleyville is scheduled to happen between 5:30 and 6:30 on Sunday, December 12 at a brand new location beside the Hawleyville Volunteer Fire Co headquarters at 34 Hawleyville Road.

Everyone from the community is invited to the event, which will feature entertainment from Dance Etc., refreshments, songs of the season, and another local visit from Santa. To mark the occasion and new location, a fir tree has been donated by North Stone Landscaping of New Milford. Papa Al's will keep the free cheese pizzas coming, and the Hawleyville Post Office staff will be serving hot chocolate and cookies.

Music and MC services are being provided by Newtown Bee Editor John Voket. The event is subject to weather cancellation, so in the event of rain, check the Newtown Bee Facebook site for updates.

Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com — reach reporter Eliza Hallabeck at eliza@thebee.com.