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11/29/2016 02:45 PMThe holidays are finally here. Having a tough time getting in the mood? Two annual Old Saybrook events—the Winter Stroll on Friday, Dec. 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. and the Torchlight Parade on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m.—are the perfect prescription for bringing on that festive spirit.
The Main Street Stroll
The annual Christmas event will once again begin with a solemn ceremony honoring fallen veterans, the lighting of the Heroes Tree at 5 p.m. at The Kate.
Following this moment of reflection, young carolers from My Second Home will sing traditional Christmas carols at The Kate.
Then begins the stroll down Main Street, where residents and visitors can rediscover stores and businesses in a festive atmosphere. Participating businesses will stay open until 8 p.m., and offer refreshments, demonstrations, activities for families, and special promotions for the stroll’s shoppers.
“The stroll is a good way to come out and explore our local businesses and what they offer,” said Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Judy Sullivan.
The Fred Astaire Dance Studio will offer line dances at 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 p.m.
Santa Claus will be awaiting his young visitors at Liberty Bank. Free horse-drawn hayrides for all ages will take visitors along Main Street during the Stroll. Also for families, the Old Saybrook Youth & Family Services Youth Action Council will have a Teen Tent with face-painting and crafts activities for kids at William Raveis realty. LE Designers plans a cookie decorating station for kids.
At Mike’s Barber Shop, the brewers from the new and local 30Mile Brewery will offer tastings, and at Denali, a special climbing wall will test folks’ strength and agility.
Blow Dry at the Beach will offer festive hair tinsel “for the young and young at heart.”
So come stroll, shop, and check out Old Saybrook’s Main Street and its businesses. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy a holiday outing while also finding special gifts for friends and family.
Torchlight Parade
The 46th annual Torchlight Parade will step off at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, from the intersection of Main and Coulter Streets next to Liberty Bank and march along Main Street to the Town Green. The event goes on regardless of weather conditions.
Organizer Sandy Clark said that this year’s parade will feature more than 22 fife and drum corps. Many of the groups will play Christmas tunes in their selections. Also in the parade will be various Christmas floats, two bagpipe bands, and other marching units.
For the 31st year, the 2nd Connecticut Governor’s Foot Guard Field Music group will march in the parade.
First and second place plaques will be awarded to the fife and drum corps “with the most unique theme, rather than wearing ancient uniforms. Awards will also be given for the authentic uniform, the best Pipes & Drum, and the best Christmas float,” said Clark.
Once all of the marching groups reach the Town Green, the Old Saybrook Rotary Club will again offer refreshments for marchers and visitors alike. The refreshments are donated by friends of the event and some local merchants.
“The public is urged to bring lighted torches, flashlights, and/or lanterns to hold to illuminate the parade as it passes. As the last unit passes, the public is invited to march behind the last unit to the Town Green for hot cocoa and light refreshments,” said Clark.
The event is sponsored and organized by alumni of the Colonial Saybrook Fifes & Drums.
“This type of Christmas parade celebration is the only one of its type held in the United States,” said Clark.
The event commemorates an annual December event in Colonial times where the village militia would muster, and march down to the village common with their fifes and drums, carrying their torches and lanterns. Local residents would rush from their homes to join them.
“Volunteers are needed to carry torches in the parade. Anyone interested is requested to report to the parade start-up area...located near Liberty Bank at the intersection of Main and Coulter streets at 5:45 p.m.,” said Clark.
Any questions about the 46th annual Torchlight Parade? Call 860-399-9767.