Westbrook, CT - Timed with the annual lighting of the Christmas tree on the Westbrook Town Green are 40 new festive flags that decorate the roadways around the Green, and up and down both Route One and the Essex Road. The holiday banners in red, green and white colors are from a Grant of $3,174 by the Westbrook Foundation to the town’s Tree Lighting Ceremony Committee. The colorful flags are mounted on utility poles and replace deteriorated banners and expand the area being decorated so that more of the Town will be covered.

The Tree Lighting is a tradition in Westbrook that goes back nearly 30 years. In addition to the lighting ceremony, there is a bicycle decorating contest, Santa's parade, a community carol sing, local stage acts, free horse and carriage rides donated by the Essex Savings Bank, holiday story reading, a children's craft booth where environmentally friendly ornaments are made for the tree, refreshments, a Santa's house donated by ABC enterprises where children can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The Historical Society Building and most businesses around the Green are open during the Ceremony. The Drum Corps the Westbrook High School Band and chorus and Kia Mamas, the Congregational Church's Cherub Choir, Bob Anderson on the keyboard, Dennis Allen MC, Audrey Ward School of Dance singers all participate. The Night Before Christmas is read by Kit Bishop. Local groups who volunteer to help include the Westbrook Fire Department, Westbrook Constables and State Police, Westbrook Ambulance Association, VISTA, Westbrook Boy Scout Troop #38, Westbrook High School students, Westbrook Youth and Family Services, Westbrook Garden Club, Westbrook Public Library.