For town’s 11th annual ‘Tis the Season Holiday Stroll

SANTA CLAUS was lobbied by Town Administrator Steve Maio, Town Councilor Peter May, State Rep. Donald Wong, Town Council Chairman Ed Dombroski, and Town Councilors Jonathan Chines, Julie Smith Galvin, Mehreen Butt and Ann Santos at Saturday’s Holiday Stroll. (Mark Sardella Photo)

Published in the December 9, 2019 edition.

By GAIL LOWE

WAKEFIELD — The town rang in in the 2019 holiday season in a big way over the Dec. 6-8 weekend, first with the annual Christmas tree lighting in the Upper Common and pie social at First Parish Congregational Church followed by everyone’s favorite — ‘Tis the Season Holiday Stroll.

Now in its 11th year, the Stroll kicked off on Saturday, Dec. 7 with its traditional Hat Parade.

But before the event got underway, prizes were awarded to winners of the best hat, ugliest sweater and best cookie contests at the Americal Civic Center where Strollers gathered to play games, make crafts, listen to music and write letters to Santa Claus. Tote bags were also given out, making shopping in the Square that much easier.

And, once again, the Boys and Girls Club of Stoneham and Wakefield held its Festival of Trees.

When the time arrived for the Hat Parade, Wakefield Memorial High School’s Marching Band led the way down Main Street, passing hundreds of people who cheered them on. Merchants had decorated their storefronts with glittering lights, wreaths and garland, dazzling the eye at every turn.

Everyone’s favorite “jolly old elf” Santa Claus was spotted in the Square, pausing now and then for photographs with his fans. Elsa and Anna from “Frozen” were also on hand to greet the younger set.

On every street corner something was happening. There were carolers, dancers, the Old Town Trolley, the Roaming Railroad and singers. A face painter and balloon artist were also there, much to the delight of children of all ages.

Inside stores and other businesses, there were musical performances while live models wearing stunning fashions showed their dancing skills in the windows of Rada Boutique and Upscale Consignment.

Participating were Betty’s Bounce, Middlesex Concert Band, Very Merry Dickens Carolers, Wakefield Music and the Memory Laners, among other groups.

Diamond level sponsors of the event were Brightview Senior Living, The Savings Bank, First Financial Trust and Northshore Numismatics.

Gold level sponsors were Wakefield Jewelers, The Sweetbay Shop, Dance Track, Dance Studio of Wakefield Inc., Boardwalk Real Estate Corporation, Brocco Oil, Catch the Funk Dance Studio, Public Kitchen, Independent Concrete Pumping Corporation and Hart’s Ace Hardware. Bronze level sponsors included Brother’s Deli and Restaurant and Sweet Balance Yoga.

Tote bag sponsors were The T Stop, The UPS Store, Wakefield Custom Dental and Wakefield Co-operative Bank.

Event Planning Committee Chairman Paul DiNocco expressed his many thanks to everyone for making this year’s Holiday Stroll another great success.

Earlier in the evening, The Living Nativity was presented on the Upper Common, complete with narrators and Christmas Carols to help move the story of Jesus’ birth along, a live “Baby Jesus,” animals, shepherds, the three kings, a “live Star of Bethlehem” and Roman soldiers.