On a pitch-black night in early December, carolers sang “Silent Night” at the corner of Main Street and Vineyard Avenue. Their shadows played against the door of the historic First United Methodist Church and revelers surrounded them. Nearby, farther down Vineyard, the entire street was blocked off by police barricades. However, most people didn’t seem to care. In the center of the shuttered avenue, people gathered around metal cauldrons to warm themselves on the heat of a makeshift bonfire.

Collectively, the crowd gathered at the Town of Lloyd’s Light up the Hamlet Block Party to wait for two things: Santa and high-powered pyrotechnics.

Town Supervisor Ray Costantino opened the ceremonies by lighting the Christmas tree in the center of the church’s courtyard. He felt pretty enthusiastic about the event.