By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
In honor of the beginning of the holiday season, as well as the end of Walpole’s 300th Anniversary, the town of Walpole hosted a Tree Lighting & Caroling on the Common event. This was sponsored by the Walpole Chamber of Commerce.
The celebration began at 6pm and hosted a variety of fun activities for all to enjoy. There was free hot chocolate and donuts from Dunkin Donuts, light-up toys and merchandise for purchase, caroling by Ed Jackowski, and beautiful light displays around every corner. The Walpole 300th Committee set up a luminary walk for guests to venture through during this festive celebration. As a special surprise, Santa made his way down Common Street in a beautifully decorated trailer. Attendees gathered on Elm Street eager for his arrival.
Santa then made his way towards a special spot on the Common to take photos with children and pass out delicious candy canes. Little ones lit up with joy as they were able to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas.
Before the official lighting of the tree, member of the Chamber and Friends of St. Patrick’s Person of the Year Beth Pelick spoke to the crowd and thanked everyone for coming. “I would like to thank all of you for coming,” Pelick stated, “to our annual tree lighting and caroling on the Common. Special thanks to the Walpole Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring the event. They have also supplied hot chocolate and donuts. Thank you to our caroler Eddie J. and all of our elves who had a hand in the making of this event. Thank you to the town of Walpole, the Walpole Police Department, the DPW department and Light Up Walpole committee as well as their sponsors. Lastly, thank you to the 300th Committee and of course, Santa! Merry Christmas to all, happy 300th anniversary to Walpole, now let’s light up that tree!”
Everyone in the crowd counted down from ten as they eagerly anticipated the grand lighting. As the tree lit up the Common, attendees stood in awe and admiration for just how magical it looked.
When talking with Pelick about this wonderful event, she expressed just how much fun it is for everyone. “It is always a super fun event,” Pelick expressed, “and it grows every year. This year we have Light Up Walpole who has done a fabulous job with the lights on the Common. All the helpers that we have to make this event happen have just been awesome. It is just a fun night for everyone and a great way to get the community together.”
This annual event is one that Walpole residents truly love this event and certainly reigns in the holiday spirit in such a beautiful way.
