The first weekend of December heralded in the holiday season in Madison and was enjoyed by people of all ages. The Madison Beach & Recreation Department’s Tree Lighting moved to Friday evening as hundreds of carolers gathered near the Green and enjoyed refreshments by candlelight (compliments of the Boy and Girl Scouts and MADE), while awaiting the arrival of Santa. The excitement in the audience was palpable as the Madison Hose truck arrived, sirens blaring and lights flashing, delivering Santa to help light the tree.

Two days later, Santa returned to town on Seashore Construction’s horse-drawn sleigh, to a cheering crowd of families awaiting his arrival at the Café Allegre steps. In addition to Santa visits, the day offered free refreshment by Morgan Stanley, Café Allegre, Madison Newcomers, and Guilford Savings Bank. The Country School offered children’s activities, R.J. Julia Booksellers helped children write letters to Santa, Scranton Library welcomed visitors to greet its guest llama, School of Rock played holiday tunes, both fire departments offered tours of firetrucks, and Daniel Hand’s a cappella Encore group entertained visitors throughout the day.

This year’s Santa Sponsor was Gulick and Company; Star Sponsors were The Source, The Homestead, Guilford Savings Bank, The Hearth at Tuxis Pond, and Watrous Nursing Center. Angel Sponsors were Kearney Insurance, The Country School, Essex Savings Bank, Evergreen Woods, East Shore Mortgage Services, The Healing Room, Life Design Hypnosis, Salon H, Branford Dental Care, and Visiting Angels of Madison & Middlefield. Many thanks go to “Santa” Bill Smack as well as elves Pam McKinnon and Lindsay Chapman.

In addition to the aforementioned participants, special thanks go to Café Allegre for graciously hosting us, Madison Earth Care Services and Walter Lippman for free hayrides, and Madison Police for helping the events run smoothly. A Merry Christmas to all!

Eileen Banisch, Executive Director

Madison Chamber of Commerce