WESTBOROUGH – From Santa and Mrs. Claus to a scavenger hunt, the annual Winter Stroll helped usher in the holiday season in a big and bright fashion.
Hundreds spent the afternoon of Sunday, Nov. 26, checking out holiday specials and discounts at participating local businesses.
While some discovered that unique gift to place under the tree, others enjoyed the chance to make their own ornaments or munch on some popcorn and cookies.
At the Westborough Public Library, Mrs. Claus read silly holiday stories, including a story about the pigeon wanting to drive Santa’s sleigh.
Next door, the Congregational Church offered popcorn and a little plug for its annual Evergreen Fair on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Historical Society offered tours, while Leduc Antiques gave visitors a chance to take part in a scavenger hunt, featuring items in the shop. The kids were especially fascinated with this strange black thing with numbers on it – a rotary telephone.
As afternoon progressed into evening, crowds began to line West Main Street for the Light Parade, which featured several vehicles, including one carrying the Westborough High School’s champion girls volleyball team.
Bringing up the rear – the big guy himself, Santa Claus.
Escorted by members of Westborough Rotary, Santa made his way to his chair. His first task – flip the switch to light the trees around the Rotary.
And then? Well, what Santa always does – welcome dozens of children, and listen to their holiday wishes.
“This is fabulous,” said Jim Coulson, the chair of the Rotary’s Winter Lights Committee. “We were really pleased with the outcome. We had more than 40 local businesses purchase banners, along with eight organizations and some families. It’s been really good.”
Donations are still being accepted; for information on how to support this ongoing effort, email [email protected].
The event was sponsored by the Rotary, Westborough Recreation and the Economic Development Committee, the police and fire departments, the Department of Public Works, and the Westborough Public Library.
