Whether it was the splendid weather or the opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap, over 200 children and their families and friends enjoyed the holiday event at Mattapoisett’s Shipyard Park on December 12. Estimates put those participating in this event – kids and parents, kids and grand parents, kids with loving adults – around the 300 mark. It was a truly holly, jolly event by anyone’s measure.
There was the huge tent so full of wonderful smells from food provided by local eateries that one’s mouth watered upon entry. There were the crafts for little folks making ornaments, face painting, and did I mention the food!
The Mattapoisett Lions Club was collecting non-perishable foods and new toys for local charities, and yes, yes, yes, there was Santa who arrived via the Mattapoisett Fire Department’s ladder truck.
The incredibly mild weather certainly had an effect on the number of people pouring into Mattapoisett’s Shipyard Park to meet Santa and enjoy Christmas music and really great eats. But make no mistake about it, there was also a desire on the part of the adults in the crowd to enjoy a bit of community holiday joy.
And then there were the children.
Many Center School students clambered ‘round the tree to look for their own handmade Christmas wish ornaments. Other children had their wish list memorized as they advanced in the long line to sit on Santa’s lap.
Jacob Collier, 7, looked forward to asking Santa for Legos and Star Wars PJs, while Jacqueline Colber and her brother, Tristan, wanted a Rudolph stuffed toy and Avenger toys, respectively.
Ava Duponte, 5, was asking for a robot and a pink baby doll.
Mia Figueiredo, 8, and her sister Ava, 6, looked forward to asking Santa for a My Little Pony and a stuffed elephant.
An impressive number of children were not focused on any gift at all and were quite simply enjoying the excitement of being with family and friends at this community event.
And how did this celebration at Shipyard Park all begin?
Well, one of Santa’s more senior Elves told us that … Once upon a time, about 30 years ago, this celebration was held on the steps of Romeo’s Package Store across the street from the Mattapoisett Inn. The Elves passed out hot cider and cocoa along with good cheer. Today, it has blossomed into a fully-integrated community event bringing local food vendors, the Lions Club, and municipal departments together to share holiday joy with its community and to collect items for those in need.
Musical entertainment was provided by The Showstoppers and the Old Rochester Regional Junior High School band throughout the afternoon, much to the pleasure of all in attendance.
And then there was the massive, red, Adirondack chair.
Resident Dan White donated the use of a larger-than-life sized Adirondack chair for this celebration. Standing 12-feet tall and about 10-feet wide, the chair had been part of his daughter Danielle’s bridal shower – a themed event in which the chair played a critical role. White, along with his friend, Mike Cambra of Rochester, built the chair for that bridal activity.
“When Mike sold his house, the chair came to me,” said White, “so I decided it would be fun to have it at this event.” The chair was enjoyed by young and old alike as they clambered into it for picture taking.
What about Santa? Well, Santa and Mrs. Claus were non-stop busy inviting more than 200 children to share their deepest desire with the man with the white beard.
From Phoebe Cowles, 5, they heard her desire for a stuffed cat, and Ellie Coroles, 4, wants a toy kitchen with pretend food.
And what does Santa want for Christmas?
When I asked the jolly old soul what he wanted most for Christmas, he didn’t hesitate.
”I really, really like candy corn,” said Santa.
But Santa, that’s a Halloween candy.
He responded that he knew that, but it was his favorite.
So … when you put the cookies and milk out for Santa on Christmas Eve, if you’ve got any leftover candy corn, the man in red would appreciate the gift.
By Marilou Newell
