SEVEN-YEAR-OLD Madison Goodman decided to skip the Black Friday madness this year and do all of her holiday shopping at the Lynnfield Historical Society’s 52nd annual Country Store on Dec. 6. Proceeds from this year’s Country Store will be used to maintain the Meeting House. (Dan Tomasello Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — Undaunted by pouring rain, over 200 townspeople gathered on the Town Common to ring in the holiday season and celebrate the most wonderful time of year during the 15th annual Tree Lighting on Saturday, Dec. 6.
The holiday festivities began in the morning when the 52nd annual Country Store opened its doors at the Meeting House at 9 a.m. The Lynnfield Historical Society-sponsored event was first held at the former junior high school in 1962 when the Meeting House was being renovated. Proceeds from the Country Store are used to maintain the Meeting House throughout the year.
Due to the poor weather conditions, this year’s Country Store was slower than previous years. Country Store vendors sold homemade baked goods and an assortment of delicious food including ham and bean dinners, candy, popcorn and the incredibly popular Vermont cheddar cheese table that was manned by John Nunziato. Vendors also sold traditional holiday greens such as wreaths and swags, and the Village Home and Garden Club were on hand selling boxwood trees.
The Country Store featured the North Pole Fishing Hole once again, sponsored by Colby Properties. Lynnfield High School Class of 2014 graduates Logan and Sloan Colby-Nunziato assisted participants as they tried catching wrapped Christmas gifts with fishing poles. Proceeds of the event were donated to the Lynnfield Historical Society.
Santa’s 5 and 10 table was once again a big hit. Inspired by five and dime stores from the early 20th Century, Santa’s 5 and 10 allowed youngsters to do their holiday shopping and have their gifts wrapped.
Additionally, Santa made his first stop in Lynnfield and arrived at the Country Store in style via fire truck. In addition to asking local children what they want for Christmas, Santa also took a moment to take photos with youngsters in attendance.
While sales were down this year, Country Store Committee co-Chairman Steven Richard said the highly anticipated fundraiser proved to be very successful once again.
“We had a very fun day,” said Richard. “It was a fun day for the entire family. The kids loved the ice fishing and meeting Santa Claus. I think everyone was very happy with this great tradition we put on every year and I know everyone is happy to do it. Hopefully next year the weather will cooperate and we’ll get more people.”
A Night in Bethlehem
While the Country Store was taking place, a number of townspeople crossed the street to attend Centre Congregational Church’s second annual “A Night in Bethlehem.” The festive event gave residents an opportunity to go back in time to experience the first Christmas Eve.
A Night in Bethlehem included a living Nativity scene. Jill and Mike DiGiorgio starred as Mary and Joseph, and Bryan Williams portrayed the Baby Jesus. Shepherds portrayed by Center Congregational Church pastor Rev. Dr. Dennis Bailey and Kenny Kramer corralled a flock of sheep, and Gage Whittier and Brian Hart served as a pair of Roman soldiers protecting a fire pit.
Residents also had the opportunity to experience first hand the marketplace of Bethlehem. The marketplace featured a bakery, carpentry shop, jewelry shop, leather working shop, pottery shop, scribe shop and a weaving demonstration. Additionally, Linda Ladd and Cheryl Fisher served as census takers as ordered by Roman Emperor Julius Caesar and David Bjorkman served as an innkeeper.
There was also a photo area where residents were able to pay a nominal fee to have a picture taken in costume in front of a scenic Bethlehem backdrop.
Bailey personally thanked townspeople for making the second annual A Night in Bethlehem a popular new Lynnfield tradition.
“This is a very meaningful event because it reminds us of the true spirit of Christmas and what it is all about-the birth of Jesus.” said Bailey,
Gingerbread House Contest
Over the course of the day, townspeople also headed to Centre Congregational Church to see the entries in the Gingerbread House Contest.
The winners in this year’s contest are as follows:
Most Original Theme: Troop 78176.
Most Creative: iPhone (Troop 63166).
Favorite Story Book: In Summer (Troop 62047).
Best Replica of Notable Building: Shane McQueen.
Best Holiday Spirit (Tie): Mrs. Tavano’s CCD Class; Nate and Luke McQueen.
Best Group: Candyland (Troop 76241).
Best Teen: Emily Marker and CC Liefield.
Best Youth: Samantha Bunar.
Best Child: Christina Donovan.
Totally Cool: Lauryn Millar
Pet Friendly: Sean and Sadie Mathers.
Most Creative use of Materials: Ryan Zanella and Matt Michalski.
Most Authentic: Noah’s Ark by Centre Church Youth Group.
Best Sports Theme: Andrew Lombardi.
Best Family (Tie): The Murphy’s and the Doyle family.
Town Pride and Viewers Choice: Emma and Haily Palumbo, Grace Magno, Charlotte Mihalchik and Vivian Desiderio.
“There were so many great entries this year,” said Lynnfield Recreation Director Julie Mallett. “I hope everybody had a chance to come by and see them. I am looking forward to seeing what the kids come up with next year.”
Tree lighting
The Tree Lighting ceremony on the Common began at 3 p.m. when refreshments were served by local Girl Scouts and Santa made his second trip to town from the North Pole.
Despite the inclement weather, a number of local kids lined up to ask Santa what they want for Christmas. Additionally, Santa was checking his list to see who has been naughty or nice. Parents were also gleeful while taking photos of their kids with Santa.
Lynnfield High School’s Tri-M Music Honor Society and local Girl Scouts kicked off the community singing segment that featured traditional holiday carols at 4:15 p.m.
Lynnfield Recreation started a new tradition this year, as different Girl Scout and Brownie Troops took turns singing with the Tri-M Music Honor Society. The songs performed this year were “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let it Snow,” “We Wish You A Merry Christmas,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “I Have a Little Dreidel,” “Jingle Bells,” “Deck the Halls,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and “O Chanukah, O Chanukah.”
“I hope the Girl Scouts enjoyed taking turns while singing Christmas carols this year,” said Mallett.
Board of Selectman Chairman Dave Nelson was on hand to flick the switch and light the trees on the Town Common. When Nelson asked for a group of Girl Scouts to come up on stage and help him light the trees, a drove of youngsters came up and engulfed the stage.
“The Girl Scout troops did a great job, and it was great to see some many of them come up to light the trees,” said Nelson.
Nelson told townspeople to keep members of the Armed Services currently serving overseas as well as those who are less fortunate in their hearts and minds this holiday season. He also said the Tree Lighting festivities is one of his favorite Lynnfield events.
“It’s raining and cold, but it was great to see the community come out and show up with the spirit of involvement,” said Nelson. “This is a great time of year full of happiness and joy.”
Mallett thanked the hundreds of townspeople who braved the elements to come out for the 15th annual Tree Lighting festivities.
“I want to thank everyone who came out despite the weather,” said Mallett. “I really appreciate it. I hope everyone has a great holiday.”
Recreation Commission Chairman Matt Monkiewicz echoed Mallett’s sentiments.
“I want to thank everyone who came down despite the horrible weather this year,” said Monkiewicz. “Lynnfield Recreation did a great job. I would like to thank Julie Mallett, Joe Maney and the entire board for putting this together, and I would like to thank the DPW for making sure everything worked.”
