[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 173 (Tuesday, December 1, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1686]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE 106TH CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING IN PERKASIE BOROUGH

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                      HON. MICHAEL G. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 1, 2015

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, three years before the lights on the 
famous Christmas tree in New York City's Rockefeller Center were 
flipped on, a small town in my district of Pennsylvania began a 
tradition that has spanned generations and leads the nation.
  Since 1909, residents of Perkasie Borough have been gathering 
together in early December to light the community Christmas tree--a 
tradition that stands as America's oldest continuous tree lighting.
  A town of under 3,000 at the time of its first Christmas celebration, 
Perkasie has grown steadily while community leaders, elected officials 
and local residents have kept its unique small town charm and timeless 
Christmas ritual.
  Today, I recognize December 5th as what will be Perkasie's 106th 
consecutive community Christmas tree lighting and join in the 
celebration of this enduring holiday tradition.

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