Planning to one-up its 2011 holiday display, the Springfield Township Fire Department debuts a new winter event for township residents.

Launching in early December, the inaugural Springfield Tree Lighting Ceremony seeks to advance Christmas traditions slowly started by the fire department.

The ceremony will take place at Old Central School House Dec. 2 at 6 p.m., Commissioner Michael Culp said.

"This is a collaboration of love from a lot of members from the Springfield Fire Department along with the Saxer Avenue Business Association and Springfield Township," he said.

Last year, Firefighters Robert Fanelli and Robert Smythe—along with Chief Robert Woolson—debuted a winter wonderland that entertained about 300 Springfield children. 

In addition to expanding that carnival—which again will occur Dec. 15—the fire department will create a township-wide event at the new tree lighting.

"Hopefully it will be an annual event and we're hoping to start off big this year," Culp said.

To that end, Smythe said C. Carmonica and Sons will plant a 20-foot tree at the Saxer Avenue and Powell Road school site so Springfield can return every year for the new tradition.