Cold Night, Warm LightsBy Susan Bush
12:00AM / Friday, December 02, 2005
 | | Drury High School Band members performed during the city's Christmas tree lighting ceremony. |
North Adams – Swirls of snow and frosty temperatures collaborated with rosy-cheeked children and a visit from “Santa†and “Mrs. Claus†and created a near-perfect holiday scene during a Dec. 2 downtown Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
About 250 people gathered at Main Street’s eastern edge for the event, which also featured the Drury High School Band, regionally renowned vocalist Diane Maynard, and a community sing-along.
North Adams Christmas tree |
The task of “lighting†an imposing evergreen tree and a host of Main Street lights fell to Mayor John Barrett III. Prior to illuminating the holiday display, Barrett asked those attending the event to remember the local military troops serving overseas during the holiday season.
North Adams Regional Hospital Public Relations Director Paul Hopkins served as master of ceremonies. Hopkins thanked the Quimby family of Charlene Street and Ron Fredette for donating the holiday trees to the city, and acknowledged city employee Robert Upton, who has overseen the city’s holiday light display for 25 years.
The tree lighting coincided with downtown First Friday events, and Main Street was bustling with activity as people visited retail shops and Gallery 51’s art exhibit. Many merchants offered special events, entertainment, and holiday sales.
Erin Marceau with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus at the Persnickety store. |
The Western Gateway Heritage State Park hosted special events as well and the city's trolley-style bus proved free tranpsortation from the downtown to the park.
Katrina Hotaling, 4, was among the many children who received a gift from “Santa.â€
“I saw Santa and he gave me a coloring book and candy canes,†Katrina said. “I think he might be my favorite man.â€
Amber Trottier, 10, has attended several city tree lighting ceremonies. |
Amber Trottier, 10, said that she has attended past years' tree lightings, and enjoys the event.
“I like to see the tree being lit,†she said.
Erin Marceau, 4, attended the event and then visited the Sugar Llama Café and Persnickety toy store on Eagle Street with her family.
Santa Claus is worthy of a song or two, according to Erin.
“I really, really like to sing about Santa because he really, really is going to come to my house,†she said.
Susan Bush may be reached via e-mail at suebush@iberkshires.com or at 802-823-9367.
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