STEW LEONARD'S INVITES COMMUNITY TO CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT WITH ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING

COMMUNITY AND MEDIA WELCOME THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 6:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.

WHAT:
Stew Leonard's Norwalk store brings the season to life with their annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, featuring a tree donated by a local resident. The Simotas family of Norwalk donated their 35-foot Blue Spruce, because it was getting too large for their home. In appreciation for their donation, the family receives a gift certificate to Stew Leonard's garden shop.

A team of eight people will erect the tree at the front of the store on Tuesday, November 14 and string it with more than 14,000 lights.

To set the scene at the tree lighting ceremony, Stew Leonard's has arranged for it to "snow" no matter what the weather is forecast to be, and holiday carolers will get the crowd in the spirit, accompanied by the local band Sawbuck. Santa and Mrs. Clause will be on hand to greet the children and hand out candy canes. Complimentary hot chocolate and Christmas cookies will be served, all leading up to the tree lighting countdown at 6:30 P.M.

WHO:

• Stew's holiday carolers and Sawbuck will perform holiday songs beginning at 5:00 P.M.
• Santa and Mrs. Clause arrive to hand out free candy canes and pose for pictures with children.
• Stew Leonard, Jr. and his family, along with Stew Leonard, Sr. (founder of Stew Leonard's) and his wife, Marianne, join Mr. and Mrs. Clause on stage to introduce The Simotas family.
• Everyone then counts down to the Christmas tree lighting at 6:30 P.M.

WHEN:
Thursday, November 30, beginning at 5:30 P.M. and concluding at approximately 7:00 P.M.

WHERE:
Stew Leonard's Norwalk store, located at 100 Westport Avenue in Norwalk. The ceremony will be held in front of the 35-foot Christmas tree, located in the parking lot facing Westport Avenue.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Meghan Flynn, Stew Leonard's
203.750.6106