By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Westborough – The holiday season kicked off Nov. 27 on several blocks of West Main Street in downtown Westborough, culminating with an enhanced light parade that debuted last year. For the second consecutive year, the Westborough Economic Development Committee partnered with Westborough Recreation to expand the annual Festival of Lights, which continues to be hosted for over 25 years by the Rotary Club of Westborough.
The second annual Westborough Holiday Stroll began late afternoon at the Westborough Public Library Children’s Room. There, 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 holiday-themed children’s activities. Live musical entertainment was provided by the band SNG and members of the Westborough High School (WHS) Choral Union. Westborough TV invited guests inside its studio for video karaoke caroling.
A light parade with decorated vehicles and floats sponsored by nonprofit organizations and businesses was introduced last year. This year’s expanded parade route travelled from School Street to the rotary for the longtime traditional trees lighting. The WHS Marching Band brought holiday tunes to the parade route. Santa Claus made a grand entrance on a reindeer-drawn sleigh atop a flatbed truck provided by E.L. Harvey & Sons.
Rotary Club of Westborough President Gerry Gross helped Santa with the trees lighting countdown. Santa then took a seat onstage at the rotary, where children shared their gift wishes and received candy canes from Rotarians.
Major event corporate sponsor was RE/MAX real estate agent Gary Kelley.
