Published in the December 2, 2016 edition.
WAKEFIELD — Tonight and over the weekend, the town will be transformed into a holiday wonderland.
Frosty the Snowman comes to Wakefield tonight sometime after 6 p.m. as the Wakefield Center Neighborhood Association sponsors his visit and the lighting of the trees on the Veterans Memorial Common.
The First Parish Congregational Church hosts a Pie Social from 6 to 8 p.m. and visitors will have the opportunity to do a little shopping and will have the chance to ring the church bell.
On Saturday, Wakefield’s downtown area, with portions of Main and Albion streets closed to traffic, will be aglow with lights and music, offering strolling shoppers delicious treats, special deals and a festive atmosphere to kick off the holiday season.
You can start your ‘Tis the Season Holiday Stroll by coming to the Americal Civic Center between 1:30 and 3 p.m. to pick up a Holiday Stroll Tote Bag, children’s activities will be offered and cartoon characters will be on hand for a photo opportunity.
“We invite all to participate in the Holiday Hat Parade with line up beginning at 2:45 p.m. at the Civic Center,” said a spokesman. “The parade will begin at 3 p.m. If you’re not marching in the parade, stand on the sidelines and cheer on the participants sporting their elegant, outrageous and fun hats as they weave through the downtown area to the music of the local Wakefield High School Marching Band.”
Entertainment includes Magic Mike, Paint the Moon, Roaming Railroad, WMHS Drum Line, Ricky McNamara, WMHS A Cappella, Mac Stevens Duo, North Ave. Band, Dickens Carolers, Lucky Bob, Betty’s Bounce, WMHS Strings, WMHS Band, Hot Sauce, The Rule of 3 and Wakefield Music/Reading Symphony, Ryan Kelleher Group, WMHS “2016 Cheer Champs” and local dance studios. There will be an area set up for kid-friendly activities and entertainment, along with a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus and the ever popular horse-drawn carriage ride. There will be many local shops offering festive treats.
New businesses have joined long-established ones to form a wildly eclectic mix that is alluring to those looking for holiday gifts. There will be antiques, pet treats, eclectic women’s clothing, floral pieces, cosmetics, jewelry, wine and spirits. And there are many excellent places to fortify oneself with fabulous food, drink and sweets, many of which are on the Holiday Stroll route. Many will be offering specials.
With all that is being offered, it will add up to the perfect December shopping day. Residents should check out the Event Planning Committee’s website to get the most up-to-date about this great day. Residents should visit www.wakefieldepc.com or follow the organization on Facebook. The Event Planning Committee is once again seeking volunteers. Residents should email wakefieldepcvolunteeer@gmail.com to volunteer.
Other events
The Wakefield Warriors Track and Field will be holding their annual Frozen Frolic Road Race on Saturday. The Kids Race, which is one mile, begins at 1:30 p.m. The Adult Race, which is 3.4 miles, begins at 2:15 p.m. For additional information go to https://www.warriorstrackandfield.com or follow them on Facebook.
The Arts Collaborative of Wakefield hosts its two-day Holiday Art Show and Sale the weekend of Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4 at the Albion Cultural Exchange building, at 9 Albion St., in Wakefield. Fourteen collaborative members will have on sale a large variety of items available for holiday gift giving, including oil, watercolor, pastel and acrylic paintings, cards, jewelry, fiber art, decorative items, clothing accessories and photography.
On Saturday, Dec. 3, the show and sale runs from 3 to 7 p.m. and is concurrent with Wakefield’s ‘Tis the Season Holiday Stroll. The Holiday Art Show and Sale exhibit continues the next day on Sunday, Dec. 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. when they will offer light refreshments.
Exhibiting artists are Jessica Andersen, Lisa Burke, Raquel Chapman, Kathy Frey, Ann Marie Gallivan, Judy Hartman, Doug Henning, David Kay, Joanne Jolly Kay, Constance Festo Lafond, Leslie Scott-Lysan, Joy Schilling, Carolyn Wiltshire and Elizabeth Wiltshire.
The Hartshorne House Association will host is annual Christmas Open House and Tea on Sunday afternoon, 1 to 3:30 p.m.
Holiday Stroll sponsors
The Event Planning Committee would like to thank the follow sponsors who are making the Saturday, Dec. 3, Ninth Annual “Tis the Season” Holiday Stroll a reality.
Ahhh Sweet Balance, alano’s, Arbonne Consultants, John Ross of Boardwalk Real Estate, Caryn’s Restaurant, Christopher J. Barrett Realty, Create Artisan Studio, (DSW) Dance Studio of Wakefield, Dance Track, Dockside Restaurant, East Boston Savings Bank, Richard Ferris of Century 21 Commonwealth, First Financial Trust, Florence’s Fashions, Glo Salon, Inc., Gone to the Dogs, Hallmark Health, Holiday Travel, Honda Gallery, J’Adore, Kidcasso Art Studio, LB Music, North Star Realtors, North Shore Numismatics, Rada Boutique, Rebirth Transformation, Rotary Club of Wakefield, Sakura, The Savings Bank, The Sweet Bay Shop, St. Joseph, Studio Poise, The UPS Store, Wakefield Co-operative Bank ,T Stop, Wakefield Uncommon and Wakefield Lynnfield Chamber of Commerce.
