By LAYLA KALINEN
Eagle Times Staff
SPRINGFIELD, VT — Nothing, not even a rainstorm on Friday, Dec. 1, stopped the Springfield Christmas Tree Lighting event. Even the Grinch and his assistants showed up to wish people holiday cheer.
At 4:50 p.m., the town was hit by a downpour, yet nobody went home. Even skateboarders whizzed through the drizzle waiting for Santa to light the tree.
Media Advisor Taylor Drinker of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce gave a welcoming speech as Santa arrived on time.
“We would like to give a shout out to the fabulous HB Energy Elves for their tremendous work on the tree and light poles. Thank you to Jeff Graham, as well, for donating the tree, it looks wonderful,” said Drinker, also acknowledging the partnership with Springfield On The Move (SOM). “Thank you to Jessica Martin and Springfield On The Move for organizing the sticker map and window decorating contest, and to all of the people and businesses who participated in bringing festive cheer to downtown Springfield.”
More than 100 showed up on Friday to participate in the event and share their wishes with Santa Claus as he passed out stuffed animals, bringing loads of Christmas cheer.
“Thank you Santa, for coming,” Drinker said. “Santa will help to light the tree and then he will visit with all the kids. We hope you all have a great holiday season.”
SOM truly appreciated Uplift Acrobatics sharing their space.
“The ‘music on the Poles’ was delightful to listen to while families were out together participating in the sticker map,” said Springfield On The Move’s Director Jessica Martin. “The winter performance in the Woodbury Courtyard by Avant Vermont Dance was beautiful to see and it was wonderful listening to the Springfield Community Band play until Santa and his Springfield Police and Fire Departments escort rolled up into downtown.”
The music heard on Main Street was provided by the Richards Group. Drinker highlighted other donors of the special event.
“Thank you to the Springfield Community Band and Avant Vermont Dance Group for adding to the downtown festivities with their performances; and John Landry with WCFR for broadcasting our event tonight,” Drinker said. “Thank you to the Claflin Family Food tent across the street … shout out to 802 restrooms for providing the facilities behind Santa’s house.”
Drinker also acknowledged the primary participant in the area, the bank parking lot abutting the Springfield Movie theater for their contributions.
“We have much appreciation for Springfield Food Co-op and M&T Bank for the use of the parking lot and to Springfield Fire Department and Springfield Police Department for delivering Santa safely here.”
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.