Mrs. Claus and Santa arrive at the Poland Village Hall by firetruck Saturday night during the Poland Junior Women's League Lighting of the Village.

POLAND — In the go-go-go world of modern America, Poland Junior Women’s League member Nicole Stupka said the “Lighting of the Village” is a Christmas tradition that encourages everyone to slow down and enjoy the moment.

“Everyone is always so busy all the time. It’s hard to find a moment to slow down,” Stupka said. “Finding that event that does that is important.”

Stupka, who joined the Junior Women’s League this year, said she had often attended the 11-year-old lighting event, and was excited to be a part of the team that makes it happen.

“For me, this is what starts out my Christmas,” Stupka said.

Stupka wasn’t alone, as others braved the cold and spitting rain to enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, musical performances, and cookies and hot cocoa. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived at the event in style on a Village of Poland fire truck.

Dr. Alexis Smith, treasurer for the Junior Women’s League and head of the lighting event, said in between helping children make reindeer food — oats mixed with glitter — the event was meant to bring families together and highlight the village.

“We do this as a free event because we really want people to enjoy the holidays,” Smith said. “And we really love Poland, so that’s why we do it here.”

“It just has that small town feel,” said Women’s League member Amanda Miller of the event. “I think this is something that isn’t really common anymore.”

Marie Vance, a resident who is new to the area, said she was trying to find out how Christmas is done in the area. She said she had taken her family to several local events and had seen a whole lot of Santa — prompting Codie Vance, 9, to point out that Santa “is everywhere.”

“This is nice. We come from a small town where they don’t do a lot of stuff,” Vance said.

Families warmed up around fire pits and children took pictures with and sent letters to Santa before the large tree in front of the Village Hall was ceremoniously lit. Smiles could be found all around.

“It really brings people together,” Smith said. “No matter how divided the country is, this is something we can agree on.”

avugrincic@tribtoday.com