2 December, 2013
Businesses and nonprofit organizations in Hopkinton have come together to revive the Hopkinton Holiday Stroll on December 7, 2013. Sixteen Hopkinton businesses and organizations are sponsoring the day’s events, which will include charitable drives, the annual downtown Tree Lighting ceremony, traveling Christmas carolers, a visit from Santa, sleigh rides through downtown and onto Hayden Rowe Street, performances of A Charlie Brown Christmas, and myriad food and drink tastings, music performances, special sales, and family activities. A full schedule can be viewed on local businesses, or online at www.hopartscenter.org .
The effort to revamp the Holiday Stroll came about after a few local business leaders had shared some passing comments about wanting to see the Holiday Stroll officially come back next year. Soon, there was synergy inspiring the effort to have the event return this winter season. In addition to its return and growth by participation volume, the Holiday Stroll has also increased its geographic area, now reaching as far as Weston Nurseries and to Water Fresh Farm; in past year’s, the stroll had been contained to downtown. Sleigh rides sponsored by Breezy Hill Farm will transport participants to the farther locations, and donations collected from sleigh riders will go to support Project Just Because. Other charitable initiatives include a drive for Toys for Tots, for which the community is encouraged to bring unwrapped toy gifts for children who might otherwise go without gifts this holiday season, and a coat drive to support One Warm Coat, which provides coats and jackets to individuals in need of proper cold weather attire.
The Holiday Stroll sponsors include Action Copy, Anne Michelle’s Hair Salon, The Boy and Girl Scouts, Breezy Hill Farm, Bungalow House Interiors, Colella’s Supermarket, Country Plus, Enter Stage Left Theater, Hopkinton Drug, Hopkinton Jeweler, the Hopkinton Public Library, the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, Hopkinton Parks and Recreation Department, Stephanie G Jewelers, Water Fresh Farm, and Weston Nurseries. Each sponsor is presenting a special in-house treat, activity or event(s) for the public, in addition to special discount sales for those interested in shopping.
The Holiday Stroll committee also welcomes and encourages other businesses in town to host special events at their locations on that day to spread the bounds of the event even further. “This event is about the community, and it is not limited to this year’s sponsors,” said Kelly Grill, HCA Executive Director and Holiday Stroll committee member. “We hope to see as many businesses as possible joining in the festivities and opening their doors to strollers looking to celebrate the Hopkinton community and its unique blend of culture and commerce.” Further, Enter Stage Left Theater is also spearheading the effort to find more people interested in caroling. There will be a general informational meeting for those interested on Sunday, December 1, 2013 at 2:00 pm at the HCA Farmhouse (98 Hayden Rowe Street, Hopkinton). At the meeting, sheet music and lyrics plus caroling routes will be distributed.
A pdf events list is posted below:
