Downtown Westborough adds activities to its holiday kickoff

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By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer

Samantha Lasch and Lola Hudnall, both 9, share a laugh with Santa.
Samantha Lasch and Lola Hudnall, both 9, share a laugh with Santa.

Westborough – Once again, downtown Westborough kicked off the holidays at the end of Thanksgiving weekend Nov. 29 – but with some additions. New this year, the Westborough Economic Development Committee partnered with Westborough Recreation to expand the annual Festival of Lights, which continues to be hosted by the Rotary Club of Westborough.

The Westborough Holiday Stroll was introduced late afternoon, beginning at the Westborough Public Library Children’s Room. There, Selectmen Chair George Barrette welcomed guests to the expanded celebration. Also, classic holiday stories were read by Mrs. Claus, who some adults thought resembled Library Director Maureen Ambrosino.

The stroll continued outdoors with nonprofit organizations and businesses offering information, giveaways and holiday-themed children’s activities. Westborough TV invited guests to record a video carol to send friends and relatives. Live musical entertainment was provided by the band SNG and members of the Westborough High School (WHS) Chorus.

Another new attraction was added at dusk when a light parade featured decorated town vehicles and floats sponsored by nonprofit organizations and businesses. The WHS Marching Band brought music to the parade route. Santa Claus made a grand entrance in a reindeer-drawn sleigh atop a flatbed truck provided by E.L. Harvey & Sons.

It was announced from the stage at the rotary that a tree with red, white and blue lights memorializes U.S. Army Spc. Brian K. Arsenault of Northborough, a Bronze Star recipient who was killed in action in Afghanistan in September 2014.

Santa then took a seat onstage, where children shared their gift wishes and received candy canes from Rotarians.

Photos/Ed Karvoski Jr.

Mrs. Claus reads a holiday story at the library.
Mrs. Claus reads a holiday story at the library.
Mary Yenalevitch, 4, sees the reflection of her painted face at the Little V Designs booth.
Mary Yenalevitch, 4, sees the reflection of her painted face at the Little V Designs booth.
Deron Uysal, 3, creates a greeting card at The Gifting Tree booth.
Deron Uysal, 3, creates a greeting card at The Gifting Tree booth.
Derreth Adams and her granddaughter, Maya Deleon, 6, meet Oakie, the Central One Federal Credit Union mascot.
Derreth Adams and her granddaughter, Maya Deleon, 6, meet Oakie, the Central One Federal Credit Union mascot.
Sabrina Resende and her son, Kyle, 10, browse items at the Harvey’s Farm & Garden Center booth.
Sabrina Resende and her son, Kyle, 10, browse items at the Harvey’s Farm & Garden Center booth.
Emily Gray and Ana LeLacheur, both 8, display reindeer candy canes they created at the New Hope Chapel booth.
Emily Gray and Ana LeLacheur, both 8, display reindeer candy canes they created at the New Hope Chapel booth.
Owen Murphy, 2, decorates an ornament at the Westboro Tennis & Swim Club booth.
Owen Murphy, 2, decorates an ornament at the Westboro Tennis & Swim Club booth.
Members of the Westborough High School Chorus sing carols.
Members of the Westborough High School Chorus sing carols.
A float sponsored by Uhlman's Ice Cream rides by the rotary.
A float sponsored by Uhlman’s Ice Cream rides by the rotary.
Santa arrives at the rotary in style.
Santa arrives at the rotary in style.

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