It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, especially over in Austintown where the annual tree lighting lit up the sky Thursday.

This is the first time in nearly four decades the tree lighting is at a new location. It's also a new chapter for the woman who started it all, as she passes over her reigns this season.

For 38 years, the Austintown community has gathered at the Wickliffe Circle Fire Station for their town's Christmas tree lighting.

"It started out as a small event in Wickliffe area and then it's grown so much that we wanted to see it expand more," said Trustee Monica Deavers.

Event organizers and township leaders say the large crowd, busy traffic, and limited parking prompted them to move to the event 5 miles over the river and through the woods, to Austintown Township Park.

"It's a lot safer here," Deavers added. "We don't have to worry about the Mahoning Avenue traffic and there are a lot more places to park. So, no children crossing Mahoning Avenue."

"Things got a little crowded in Wickliffe Circle," said Peggy Bennett with the Austintown Junior Women's League. "And there also were a couple of incidents that happened and we were afraid of safety measures there. So, there's a lot more room here. It has an indoor spot and an outdoor spot."

"Here at the park, we are looking forward to growing and expanding the tree lighting," said Janie Surman with the Austintown Junior Women's League. "Every year, we want to add more. This year, we are happy to have the choir and band come out to perform."

While the Wickliffe Fire Station is still beaming with holiday lights, the event's longtime organizer Joyce Pogany is turning the responsibility over to the Austintown Junior Women's League.

"Well, she said to us, 'It's time," said Pogany's daughter, Pam Gent. "She's 89 and going to be 90 in February. So, we agreed, it's time."

The first Thursday in December, which is when the annual tree lighting is always scheduled, is now recognized as Joyce Pogany Day. The proclamation is a way for the township to say 'thank you' to Pogany for her commitment to the tradition.

"To see the community come together to ensure that this legacy continues is so heartwarming," Gent said. "And it think it speaks so well to the generosity of the people in Austintown."

From Austintown students performing holiday tunes to children visiting with Santa Clause himself, the magical tradition Pogany started remains steady in Austintown.

2,000 cookies were donated by Meijer, area rugs were donated by D&D Services, and decorations were donated by Home Depot. 

This holiday season, Austintown Township Park will stay open until 10 p.m. every night for visitors to enjoy the tree and decorations.