A gust of wind has brought us right into the holiday season! Christmas lights and ribbons are starting to be seen all throughout town as spirits are rising. Here in Saybrook, there are many activities and celebrations to keep our community connected and filled with joy throughout the holiday season. Popular ones include the Torchlight Parade and the Starlight Festival. Both of these events take place right on Main Street, drawing crowds from all over the small town or even neighboring areas. The following dates are for the events; December 5th at 5:30 (tree lighting), December 6th (starlight festival), and December 13th (torchlight parade). Over the years, the Starlight Festival has blossomed with new activities being brought each season. This year, the festival will be taking place on December 6th to kick off December and the holiday season. OSHS junior Emily Clifford tells us, “The Starlight festival is a great holiday tradition because it brings everyone in the community together!” The event lasts all day filled with fun activities for all ages including ornament decorating, horse drawn wagon rides, visits from Santa, and many more! The festival brings in people from all ages to enjoy activities and food filled with holiday spirit. In addition, on December 5th at 5:30, the hero tree lighting will take place outside the Kate to honor the veterans and service members.
Another one of Saybrook’s longtime traditions is the Torchlight parade, held on main street each December, and sending major waves of holiday spirits throughout the area. Each year, the street is shut down and the sidewalks become filled with members from the community to watch the spectacular event. Some people make it a point to get there extra early to park cars and trucks to turn their area into a mini gathering, often bringing food and drinks for all friends and family while waiting for the parade to begin. Additionally, it gives opportunities for local shoreline community groups and organizations to participate. The parade itself is filled with musicians and groups from all over the shoreline, local clubs, organizations, businesses, floats, and first responders. World language teacher, Mrs. Claffey, has been attending the Torchlight parade since she was little. “It’s really nice to see how the event has grown each year,” says Claffey. The parade has been put on for many years and has attractions for every age from fun floats to great music. Claffey adds, “I love how many people show up and how it increases each year”.
