THE CASEY GIRLS — Catherine, Caroline and Meredith — stopped by to see Santa at the Reading Co–operative Bank during North Reading’s ninth annual Holiday Lighting Festival sponsored by the Reading–North Reading Chamber of Commerce. (Bob Turosz Photo)
By BOB TUROSZ
NORTH READING — The warmest temperature in years brought hundreds of revelers to the ninth annual Holiday Lighting Festival on the town common Sunday afternoon, sponsored by the Reading–North Reading Chamber of Commerce and enjoyed by all.
In contrast to past years, umbrellas, long underwear and snow shoes were not needed to enjoy the day as temperatures were in the 50s, from the start of the festivities until Santa Claus arrived safely via North Reading Fire Department. Santa had spent the afternoon at the Reading Co–operative Bank greeting local children before arriving at the common to officially light the the ceremonial Christmas tree on the common as well as the holiday lights that decorate the area.
Throughout the afternoon, festival goers enjoyed the free hot chocolate courtesy of the Horseshoe Grille, tractor rides through the Historic District, visits from Elmo, Olaf from Frozen, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger and Rudolph and a Holiday Cookie Walk at the Flint Memorial Library.
Throughout the day the North Reading Historic Society joined the celebration with a Victorian Faire at the Putnam House, the Damon Tavern was open for visitors and the North Reading Minitmen opened the West Village School House, the Sgt. Flint House and the Farm Museum for visitors.
There were show–stopping performances in front of the Third Meeting House by the East Coast Dance Center, the North Reading School of Ballet, the Middle School Chorus and the High School Band. Earlier in the day the High School Chorus sang Christmas Carols at Ryer’s Store and the Reading Co-operative Bank, all emceed by John Murphy.
GRANT PLUNKETT, 7 1/2 months, bonded immediately with Santa Claus at the Reading Co–operative Bank during the town’s Holiday Lighting Festival sponsored by the Reading–North Reading Chamber Commerce. (Bob Turosz Photo)
Festival sponsors included the Reading Municipal Light Department, Town Moderator John Murphy, the Horseshoe Grille, the Latham Law Offices, the Burbank YMCA, the Reading Co–operative Bank, the Winter Hill Bank, Kitty’s Restaurant, Linnane Insurance, the Law Offices of Douglas Mercurio PC and the Hillview Country Club.
Since they began in 2005, the Chamber’s efforts to sponsor the Lighting Festival have become a holiday tradition in town. Donations to defray the annual costs are being accepted. A North Reading Holiday Lighting fund has been established at the Reading Co–operative Bank. If you are interested in making a donation, make your check out to the Reading–North Reading Chamber of Commerce and send it directly to the North Reading Holiday Lighting Fund, c/o Reading Co–operative Bank, 170 Park St., North Reading MA 01864.
