Compiled by The Bedford Citizen
While each of us holds a holiday spirit in our heart according to our tradition, Bedford’s community holiday spirit was evident on Saturday, December 3 during the second annual Winter Walkabout.
As the clock on the First Parish steeple struck five times, Bedford’s Citizen of the Year Julie Turner – aided by a small crew from the Department of Public Works and Recreation Department Director Amy Hamilton — flipped a switch that transformed Bedford Common into a twinkling fairyland. Just in the nick of time, Engine One roared into view, delivering a very special visitor from the frozen North: Santa Claus, himself.
The Walkabout began earlier in the afternoon, with Johnny the K’s concert for kids in the BHS auditorium.
The crowd then moved toward Bedford Center where Kamate Fitness “Rocked the Common” with colorful lights flashing on the front of Bedford’s historic meeting house, along with dance music and moves that kept everyone warmed up while they waited for the big moment.
“The concert with Johnny the K was very well received,” said Hamilton. “I can’t remember a recent children’s performance that created such excitement. The kids were singing along, jumping up and down, waving their arms, running about and dancing.
“Santa was outstanding,” Hamilton continued, “greeting each child and posing for picture after picture.”
From 3 to 6 pm, businesses along The Great Road were open and entertaining visitors with cocoa, treats, special offers, and gifts. Alyssa Sandoval, Bedford’s Economic Development Coordinator, reported great feedback from the participating businesses. “They enjoyed the additional foot traffic, and many mentioned that they appreciated the feeling of being connected to the community and chatting with those that came through.”
Citing the afternoon’s success, Bedford Youth and Family Services Director Sue Baldauf added, “From my perspective, it was another successful event. The [Great Room at] Old Town Hall had a lot more vendors and foot traffic than last year, and the live music really energized the space and holiday feel.”
Gallery images by JMcCT and Raeann Gembis (c) 2016 all rights reserved
Click each image twice to see it at full size
In her role as Executive Director of the Bedford Chamber of Commerce, Maureen Sullivan noted, “The Chamber was thrilled to work with the Town in making this event such a great success.”
Gallery images by JMcCT and Maureen Sullivan (c) 2016 all rights reserved
Click each image twice to see it at full size
About the Walkabout
Bedford’s second annual Winter Walkabout and Tree Lighting Ceremony was hosted by multiple Town departments (Bedford Youth and Family Services/Healthy Bedford, Economic Development, and Recreation) in collaboration with the Bedford Chamber of Commerce.
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