Correspondent photo / Susan Wojnar Kathy McDaniel, aka “Kathy Klaus” of BobKat’s Lil’ Critters, snuggles with her Barred Owl, Thing 1.

BAZETTA — After 20 years of darkness, Bazetta Park reignited the magical spirit of Christmas by resuming the tradition of lighting the Christmas tree in the park on Saturday.

The event took place from 3 to 6 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived at 3:30 courtesy of a fire truck driven by Bazetta Professional Firefighters Local 3703 Bazetta Township.

Cookies and hot chocolate were provided by the Bazetta Park Township Board members. A warming fire was available to chase the cold and members of the Lakeview High School choir were on hand to set the musical mood.

Area favorites, Bobcat’s Lil’ Critters, who do presentations and events with their native Ohio and exotic animals had representatives present — both human and animal.

Mary Gearhart Kaschak, Park Board Chairperson and chief organizer of the event, was bedecked in Christmas lights as she bustled around overseeing the activities. She had made the suggestion to the park board to bring back the tradition in an effort to promote community unison and spirit. The other members quickly got on board.

Commemorative Christmas ornaments were designed and developed as a fundraiser for the park and event. The bulbs feature a picture of Imagination Station, a play area and staple of the park for 30 years. The station closed in September to be demolished and replaced with a new play area.

“Lots of people use the park and we want to see it become bigger and better in the coming years,” Kaschak said.

Bob Steine, President of the Trumbull Boat Club, was overseeing the wood fire. He was glad to see the tradition reinstated and remembers bringing his children to it years ago. He also noted that the park is a focal point for Bazetta residents and an event like Christmas in Bazetta is the perfect way to strengthen community bonds and connections.

“In the decisive climate we live in these days, we need to do all we can to bring people together,” Steine said.

Those attending the event were encouraged to bring an ornament from home to contribute to the decoration of the tree. Some like Micha Newman, 3, of Bazetta brought an ornament with special family memories. Micha’s grandmother Cindy Black, of Bazetta said the red and black checkered ornament with the word “Joy,” stitched on it had been a gift from her grandmother. Others, such as Mason Babb, 6, his sister Kynslie, 9, of Bazetta and Adrianne Osborne, 5, of Warren, said they bought new ornaments to contribute.

Park Board members Martha Urchek and Shanon Watson, both of Bazetta, were tending the cookie and hot chocolate table. They echoed the sentiments of Kaschak and Steine, regarding the importance of community events for Bazetta residents. Though no one quite remembers why the park stopped holding the event 20 years ago, they were gratified to see it revived.

Commemorative ornaments can still be purchased via the Park Office.