By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor
Northborough – A favorite tradition will return to Northborough Saturday, Dec. 7, as the town's small business community hosts the eight annual Northboro Holiday Trolley.
From 12 to 5 p.m. that day, residents can hop on a trolley car and visit 22 shops, restaurants, and other local destinations in the downtown area where there will be a variety of special events and sales planned.
The trolley was originated in 2005 by two local businesswomen, Vicki Martelli, the proprietor of The Purple Rose, and Patti Murphy, who owns Strut. For the past several years, Martelli's daughter Kimberly Reed, who also works at the shop with her, has organized the event.
Last year the trolley was cancelled due to the ongoing downtown road renovation project. Now that the project is finally complete, this year's festivities will give residents a wonderful chance, Reed said, to reacquaint themselves with and support local businesses, as well as to enjoy holiday fun in their own hometown.
“We have so many unique small businesses here in town. There's really something for everyone,” she said. “People may not know about all of these businesses so this a great way to learn about new ones and maybe find some really special items that you can's find elsewhere.”
Children can visit with Santa Claus at the Treasure Chest Company. They can also have their photo taken with “Zip,” a dog who will be dressed as Santa, at Northboro Computers. Hot drinks and sweet treats will be available at many of the destinations. Some of the other highlights include a book sale at the Northborough Free Library, the annual Festival of Wreaths at Trinity Church and cookie decorating at Marlborough Savings Bank. Lowe's Variety and Meat Market will be collecting funds for a “shelter box” that will be donated to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan, which recently devastated the Philippines.
The trolley rides will be free of charge; the costs are being picked up by the businesses.
“The last time we did this event the trolley was so popular we decided to have two this year,” Reed said. “We'se also doubled the number of stops so it will be easy for shoppers to get on and off.”
All those who ride the trolleys will receive free shopping bags courtesy of Central One Federal Credit Union and Marlborough Savings Bank. Patrons will also receive a “passport” which they can have stamped at the different destinations. They will also be given raffle tickets for a drawing that will be held at the annual Tree Lighting ceremony on Blake Street that evening at 5:30 p.m.
Passports will be available at the different destinations for those who choose not to ride the trolleys.
The tree lighting first began in 1968 as a way to honor the memory of Neil Ellsworth, an Army Pfc. who was killed in Vietnam in 1967 at the age of 19. Born and raised in Northborough, Ellsworth was the first town resident to die in the Vietnam War. Every year the town and the Ellsworth family light the tree in memory of this fallen hero.
Sponsors for the event include: Coleman House, Hays Funeral Home, Zee Cleaners, Hardy Physical Therapy, Lowe's Variety and Meat Market, Marlborough Savings Bank, Chet's Diner
Zem Han, Northboro Junior Woman's Club, Grays Carpet Center, Church of the Nativity, European Car Service, Karen Scopetski, Community Advocate, Central One Federal Credit Union and D Signs & Truck Lettering.
For more information, including up-to-date participating businesses and destinations, visit www.northboroholidaytrolley.com. See also the ad in this week's Community Advocate.