Dale Girard
Mayoral Notes
As the weather changes, the holiday spirit takes over our community. Once again, Broad Street Park comes alive with lights and displays. Claremont shines on the Friday after Thanksgiving, as this is our traditional lighting of the park. Many families gather for the holiday and stay an extra day or two so they can participate in these festivities.
A thank you is owed to numerous volunteers who, over the years, have devoted their time in establishing this tradition. The last few years, Tracey Osgood led a small group of volunteers keeping tradition going.
This year, Parks and Recreation, as well as the Claremont Fire Department, volunteered to prepare Broad Street Park for the holiday festivities. Many hours were donated by these individuals. Their hard work laid the foundation that brought together families and friends.
This past Friday, we hosted Claremont’s Hometown Holiday Liftoff 2023. It started with Santa himself extending a welcome to the children of our community. As the afternoon unfolded, everyone looked forward to the lighting of Broad Street Park. Santa led the countdown and, as the numbers decreased, the energy and excitement in the park was palpable.
Following the lighting of the park, the festivities continued with the annual parade through our neighborhoods. The parade, beginning just after 5 p.m., brought joy to both young and old, creating memories that will last a lifetime. This tradition began in 2020 and is now a very important activity for the community.
While the lights in Broad Street Park are shining bright, our community’s commitment to the holiday spirit doesn’t stop there. Over the next few days, traditional ground displays will be added as well as more lighting in the trees.
Santa has a special mailbox in the park for children to mail their letters. This is a very busy time of year but my sources tell me Santa will personally answer each letter.
As you are enjoying your holiday, I encourage you to explore not just Broad Street Park but also the displays on NelMar Heights, along with Francis Street. These neighborhoods have embraced the spirit, creating a display of lights and decorations that will surely excite both young and old. This is only a small sampling of the wonderful holiday displays in our community.
Broad Street Park stands out for how a community can work together and create the magic of the season. As the lights continue to shine and the festivities unfold, let us enjoy these moments of togetherness and gratitude for the community spirit that makes our holidays truly special.
The Parks and Recreation, along with the Claremont-Sugar River Rotary Club, will help ring in the New Year. Both organizations are working to provide family activities which will take place on New Years Eve. Participating organizations include Arrowhead Recreation Club, city of Claremont, Meyers Maple Lanes, Claremont Opera House and many more. Fireworks will be part of the celebration at Arrowhead.
On behalf of the city of Claremont, have a safe and healthy holiday season.
— Dale Girard is the mayor of Claremont, NH
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