By Russ Tarby

Contributing Writer

Liverpool’s Christmas in the Park Committee Chairwoman Diane Recor appeared before the village board of trustees on Oct. 21 to inform them that the annual holiday program in Johnson Park will be canceled this year.

State restrictions on public gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the decision by the committee and American Legion Post 188, which has hosted the event for more than six decades.

Often staged at the park’s amphitheater on the first Sunday of December, the program normally features the tree lighting and an appearance by Santa Claus. In recent years, horse-drawn carriage rides were also offered.

Recor spoke with Post 188 Commander Ken Palmer, and she said he fully agreed with the decision.

“The tree will be lit, and we’d like to present that on Facebook, but there will be no public gathering,” Recor said. “We’re all in agreement on that.”

The city of Syracuse canceled its annual tree lighting downtown, Recor said, and Baldwinsville has also shelved its holiday event.

No specific date has yet been set for the virtual tree lighting in Liverpool, but tentative dates include Nov. 29 or Dec.  6.

September police stats

Liverpool Police Chief Don Morris informed the village board via memo at its Oct. 19 meeting that officers made 215 traffic stops and issued 191 citations for violations of the state’s vehicle and traffic laws during September. In addition, five arrests were made for DWI and five accidents were investigated. Officers made 155 residential checks during the month while investigating a total of 479 complaints, incidents and calls for service.

The department arrested 34 individuals last month on 45 criminal charges.