Councilwoman Catherine Parker (D) was joined with members of the Rye Chamber of Commerce and Citibank as she turned on Christmas tree lights at the intersection of Purchase St. and Boston Post Rd. on Thursday.

Tree lightings in Rye haven’t occurred in Rye for decades, but for Chamber vice president Sally Wright, it was a way to really kick off the season and bring people together.

“Over the last few years our theme has been Shop Rye,” said Wright, “We want people to get out of the malls and support the local merchants.”

The event, which included refreshments at the nearby Citibank, highlighted the Chamber’s growth to approximately 175 members since its reinception in 1998.

“Chamber of Commerce is a great thing to have,” said Parker, who is not only a liaison to the organization but is also a business owner herself.

“Rye is pro-business. And now we have a healthy, vibrant downtown,” she said.

Wright explained that the Chamber does make a visible impression on the downtown in addition to supporting its and advocating for its businesses.

“We pay for Christmas décor and in the off season we help pay for plants, pots and flowers,” she said.