By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
Lynnfield Recreation will usher the holiday season in style when the incredibly popular Gingerbread House Contest, Light Up Lynnfield Contest and Tree Lighting Ceremony returns to town on Saturday, Dec. 3.
“We are excited to have the annual Tree Lighting festivities on the Town Common once again,” said Recreation Director Julie Mallett.
Recreation Commission Chair Rich Sjoberg agreed.
“Lynnfield Recreation is excited to invite everyone to the official start of the holiday season with an afternoon full of hot cocoa, carols, imaginative gingerbread displays and photo opportunities with Santa,” said Sjoberg.
Sjoberg noted this year will mark the first time that the new Town Common lights will be used for the Tree Lighting Ceremony.
“This year’s Tree Lighting Ceremony and festivities will be bigger and more magical than ever,” said Sjoberg. “There is nothing more special than the entire Lynnfield community gathering on the Town Common with anticipation to see the new holiday lights shining brightly.”
The 19th annual Gingerbread House Contest will be held on the Town Common for the first time on Saturday. The deadline to register for the contest is Thursday, Dec. 1.
Participants will be able to drop off their gingerbread houses between 9-10 a.m. on Saturday.
“Individuals, families and groups can participate,” said Mallett. “The categories are Best Family, Best Group, Best Individual, Best Holiday Scene and Best Pioneer Pride. The winners will be announced at the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Participants should pick up their house at the end of the ceremony.”
While the Recreation Commission will be judging the five categories, Mallett said residents will be able to vote for the People’s Choice Award between 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Saturday. Townspeople can sign up for the 19th annual Gingerbread House Contest by visiting www.lynnfieldrec.com.
The fifth annual Light Up Lynnfield Contest is also returning this year. The deadline to register for the contest was Tuesday, Nov. 29. The contest’s winners will be announced on Thursday, Dec. 1.
“Maps will be available online and at the Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday,” said Mallett. “People can go online to vote for their favorite. A link will be provided, and voting closes on Sunday, Dec 4.”
Sjoberg recalled that the Light Up Lynnfield Contest has been a big hit with residents.
“Families will be able to drive around to enjoy the always incredible home displays in this year’s fifth annual Light Up Lynnfield Contest,” said Sjoberg.
Lynnfield Recreation’s Tree Lighting Ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. on Saturday when Santa Claus makes his second visit to town. Local photographers Bob and Harlee Priestley from Priestley’s Fine Art Photography will be taking complimentary pictures of children with Santa, and families will be able to take their own pictures as well.
The community sing-a-long, which will be led by Lynnfield Girl Scouts and the Lynnfield High School Tri-M Music Honor Society, will take place at 4:30 p.m. A member of the Select Board will welcome attendees to the ceremony.
“Then, with the flip of the switch of the new Town Common holiday lights and roar of the crowd, you will see the magic in children’s faces,” said Sjoberg. “There’s nothing like it!”
Sjoberg said the three holiday events “would not be so memorable without the help of our countless Lynnfield Rec volunteers.”
“I would like to give a special thank you to the Lynnfield Recreation Commission, Recreation Director Julie Mallet and her husband, Billy, Town Administrator Rob Dolan, Assistant Town Administrator, Bob Curtin and DPW Director John Tomasz for their planning and preparations,” said Sjoberg. “Without them, the Tree Lighting Ceremony would not be able to run so smoothly. I would also like to thank the Lynnfield Police and Fire Departments for keeping everyone safe by providing officers and firefighters during the event.”
Sjoberg urged the community to come to Lynnfield Recreation’s holiday extravaganza on Saturday.
“With excitement for the upcoming season, you will feel the energy, you will feel the happiness and the whole season of the holiday as you join Lynnfield Rec for a truly a wonderful afternoon,” said Sjoberg. “It has been a family tradition of ours to attend the Lynnfield Rec Holiday Tree Lighting every year, and we hope you join us.”
