VICTORIA BIDMEAD, Mrs. Claus, Santa, Donna Schofield and Holiday Stroll co-chair Susan Wetmore on the plaza at Beebe Library on Saturday. (Mark Sardella photo)
Published in the December 7, 2015 edition.
WAKEFIELD — The weather was mild and the crowds were large as thousands of people came together in downtown Wakefield on Saturday for the Seventh
BRIAN WESTON and mom Heather stop to warm their hands at one of the fire barrels at the Holiday Stroll. (Mark Sardella photo)
Annual Holiday Stroll organized by the Events Planning Committee.
The day started with children’s activities at the Americal Civic Center before the outdoor activities kicked off with the traditional Hat Parade down Main Street starting at 3 p.m. The Wakefield High School Marching Band served as pied pipers leading a throng of school groups, organizations and individuals on a gala march from the Civic Center to Beebe Library.
Students of various local dance schools performed on the plaza in front of Beebe Library as crowds packed Main Street. Throughout the day and into the evening, horse-drawn carriages and the Roaming Railroad offered rides along Main Street and Albion Street. The Dickens Carolers moved from place to place around the downtown singing songs of the season.
Balloon artist Magic Mike and face painters “Paint the Moon Blue” entertained kids in the Alano Building, while magician/juggler Robert Clark brought smiles to the faces of youngsters.
Twisted Magic amazed crowds on Main Street.
Bands like Betty’s Bounce and the Hot Sauce Rhythm and Blues Band performed inside The Savings Bank and the Wakefield Co-operative Bank respectively. Solo musical performer Natalie Joly performed at Boardwalk Real Estate and keyboardist Ricky McNamara entertained all ages in the dining room at Brothers Restaurant and Deli.
The Trinity Choir from Nazareth Academy performed at East Boston Savings Bank, while Amy and Jim from the North Avenue Band performed at Sakura Organic.
Performing at 74 Albion St. were WHS A Capella, the WHS Sting Ensemble, the Galvin Middle School Chamber Chorus and the GMS Band.
Mrs. Claus read stories to children at Bella Tesori on Lincoln Street. Kids wrote letters to Santa at The Savings Bank and created holiday ornaments and decorations at East Boston Savings Bank.
At 18 Albion St., excited children had the chance to meet Anna, Elsa and Kristoff from the movie Frozen.
Event Planning Committee Chairman Paul DiNocco declared Saturday’s Holiday Stroll a major success.
“The Stroll is a special event for us as it begins the Christmas/holiday season,” DiNocco said. “The Committee hit this one out of the park and I couldn’t be prouder.”
DiNocco recognized the principal organizers of the event.
“This year’s event was co-chaired by the original duo of Susan Majeski and Susan Wetmore,” DiNocco said, “with the support of the committee: Carol Hubbard, Amy Leeman, Adam Pinkney, Walter Schofield, along with our two liaisons Nancy Rollins and Rada Frohlichstein, with thanks to Dot Halpin and Al Zink. They conducted many meetings, with many discussions and, in the end, another fantabulous event was presented to the community.”
