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CROTON-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. As about 50 parents and children gathered around a 20-foot Christmas tree in Vassallo Park, few noticed the brilliant LED Christmas lights which had been newly installed on the tree. The brilliant strings of lights on the huge tree are new as of 2009, and use significantly less energy than the Christmas lights the village used to put on trees.
These lights burn 1.5 watts per bulb, the others burned nine watts per bulb. Theres 1,000 lights on this tree, said Department of Public Works foreman Tom Giglio. The energy saving LED bulbs were installed after it was discovered they used significantly less power than the incandescent bulbs the village had been using.
A greenhouse gas emission survey revealed that an electrical outlet at the end of Benedict Boulevard was costing the village nearly $500 per year, toward the end of December. It was soon recognized that the Christmas tree lit each year in the location was the culprit.
Those glass incandescent bulbs break and short out, and we had a maintenance issue. These bulbs are less fragile, less maintenance and draw far less electricity, 75 percent less power, said Mayor Leo Wiegman about the bulbs installed on the Christmas tree in 2009.
This is the second year the tree in Vassallo Park will be lit with LED lights. It was broken down to a very minute level, said Deputy Mayor and Village Trustee Ann Gallelli. She added about the bulbs, these colors are sharper.
Whatever the type of bulb, the main attraction for children and parents was the countdown from 10, when the tree would be lit. A man on stilts dressed as a soldier entertained children with songs, and cookies flew off the refreshment tray.
Its fun for the community as a whole. Its a good time for all ages, said Mark Duncan, recreation department supervisor. Croton is the first of two villages in the Town of Cortlandt to light a Christmas tree. The village expects to save about $200 per year for the next 10 years lighting the villages two trees with LED lights.
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