A watery holiday tradition

June Casagrande

Anyone can light up a tree on land, but leave it to the Newport

Dunes to hold a holiday tree lighting over the water.

For the ninth time this year, the Newport Dunes will dazzle with

its “Lighting of the Bay” ceremony. The effect is created with the

use of floating light assemblies in the shape of Christmas trees.

“‘Lighting of the Bay’” is one of the most highly anticipated

holiday events at the Dunes and draws hundreds of locals and visitors

each year with its glorious spectacle of lights,” Andrew Theodorou,

Dunes general manager, said in a statement.

To add a warm touch to the outdoor event, lots of hot chocolate

will be on hand. There will also be caroling, seafood chowder and

live music performances by children’s groups. The award-winning

Lakewood High School Madrigal Singers will also perform -- under the

direction of Ralph Siemsen.

The resort and RV park has long played an important role for the

community during the holidays.

Residents were relieved earlier this year to learn that, in the

wake of a purchase of the property, the Dunes will continue this

role. New owners Goldrich & Kest Industries and Terra Vista

Management announced earlier this year that they did not plan to

exercise an option to build a hotel on the property. Instead, company

officials said, they plan to continue operating the property as a

resort, especially for recreational vehicles.

The companies also said they planned to bring back fireworks on

the Fourth of July, which the previous owners stopped this year due

to insurance liability problems.