THE MERRY DICKENS CAROLERS serenaded those at the Holiday Stroll on Saturday. (Mark Sardella Photo)

Published in the December 4, 2017 edition.

By GAIL LOWE

WAKEFIELD — The town held one big party on Saturday, Dec. 2, and people of all ages and from all over the region came to usher in the holiday season.

The ‘Tis the Season Holiday Stroll celebrated its ninth year Saturday with a Hat Parade, Christmas music played by Wakefield Memorial High School’s Marching Band, storefronts decorated with tinsel and garland and visits from Frosty the Snowman, Santa and Mrs. Claus and Elsa from “Frozen.”

The event kicked off at the Americal Civic Center where children wrote letters to Santa Claus, revelers listened to the beautiful music of keyboard artist and high school junior Ricky McNamara and the Boys & Girls Club of Stoneham and Wakefield presented its Festival of Trees. Tote bags were handed out to make shopping easier.

On every street corner something was happening. Spotted were a unicyclist, stilt-walker, carolers, dance performances, horse-drawn carriages and the Roaming Railroad. Adding to the merriment were candy canes, gingerbread cookies and marshmallows roasted over an open fire, along with other seasonal treats.

Inside stores and other businesses, there were musical performances and magic acts along with live models wearing stunning fashions at Rada Boutique and Upscale Consignment.

Participating were Betty’s Bounce, Casper the Spectacular, North Ave Duo, Middlesex Concert Band, Merry Dickens Carolers, The Lucky Show, Wakefield Music and The Mac Stevens Duo. Also, the Galvin Middle School band and chamber chorus and strings and the high school’s a cappella group

New this year was the “Ice Palace,” a heated tent where singer Valerie Giglio entertained and Laurie’s 9:09 offered food. There was also a cash bar.

Sponsors of the event were Wakefield Co-operative Bank, The Savings Bank and Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, among many others. Event Planning Committee Chairman Paul DiNocco expressed his many thanks to everyone for making this year’s ‘Tis the Season Holiday Stroll another great success.