If you were downtown last Saturday, you might have seen a wagon filled with hay and children. You might also have seen a horse-drawn carriage, light poles adorned with huge wreaths, or maybe you saw a big guy in a red suit strolling down Main Street.
All of these festivities were part of Middletown’s 21st Annual Holiday on Main Street, which began on Friday, Nov. 24. Additional activities so far have included tree lightings, the Festival of Wreaths, pictures with Santa Claus, caroling, and a Christmas parade. The parade, along with the tree lighting, was part of the ceremony held on the opening weekend.
“The tree lighting event was great this year,” said Cathy Duncan, Director of Membership Services for the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce. “We had the absolute largest crowd in 21 years of holding this event. The weather that night was wonderful; we had no snow and the air was just so clear and fresh.”
The tree lighting festivities began at 5 p.m. with carol singing by Middletown High School bands and chorus. The Christmas Parade itself began at 6 p.m. The guest list included Santa Claus, Ms. Connecticut, Ronald McDonald, who arrived at the South Green in a fire engine, and Mayor Seb Giuliano, who arrived in a horse driven carriage.
The festivities included two tree lightings. The parade began on the South Green where the first and taller Christmas tree was lit. The parade then made its way up Main Street to the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce building where Santa and the Mayor turned on the lights of the second tree, located on the roof of the building.
Duncan commented on the fun atmosphere, stating that there were so many activities for people to partake in that were enjoyable for all ages.
“There were the free pictures with Santa, and the hay and carriage rides. We had volunteers dressed in animal suits [such as bunny rabbits and elephants], which were lent to us by the Elk Club. And in front of the Chamber of Commerce, we were selling hot popcorn and pretzels and playing holiday songs,” Duncan said.
According to Duncan, Holiday on Main Street is an event that the Chamber of Commerce committee plans months in advance, usually starting in August. Every year the committee improves upon the last year’s celebration by examining what worked and what didn’t work. They try to incorporate new events into the schedule as well.
“We have a great community here of about 20 people from downtown businesses and really just people who like to help out either for the sake of the upcoming holiday season or to help out Middletown,” Duncan said.
One of the main objectives of Holiday on Main Street, other than spreading the holiday spirit, is to promote the various businesses and stores on Main Street and bring them to the attention of the locals in the area.
For example, last Saturday, Dec. 2, both a Holiday Fashion Show and Self Defense Demonstration were held. The purpose of these events was to make residents aware of the available clothing stores in their own neighborhood, as well as other fun and interesting businesses.
Sharon Fales, a volunteer for the holiday events organized by the Chamber of Commerce, narrated and led the first fashion show that was held last year, as well as the fashion show this year. She commented that the fashion show is a great way of giving people a taste of the different types of clothing items, styles, sizes, and prices available in Middletown, and that it provides a different, much more pleasurable alternative to holiday shopping.
“It’s such a nice experience shopping here on Main Street during the holiday season. With all of the festive decorations that are put up, shopping isn’t a hassle, it’s a pleasure,” Fales said.
Brigitta Zimmer, owner of Echo Trading Co. on Main Street, featured her apparel at the fashion show both this year and last year.
“I think the show was great…. This year we got so many people to participate. I think that the show will put into mind shopping at these stores during the holiday season,” Zimmer said.
Holiday on Main Street events will be held again next Saturday, Dec. 9 and Saturday, Dec. 16. A sample of the scheduled events includes: Breakfast with Santa, Holiday Story Time, and free hayrides.
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