Santa arriving at last year’s event.
Photo courtesy of Somers Recreation & Leisure Services
SOMERS — Somers’ annual Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 4-7 p.m. at the Somers Senior Center and Town Common. Sponsored by the Somers Lions Club and the Somers Recreation & Leisure Services, this is a free family-friendly holiday event.
Director of Recreation and Leisure Services Maureen Parsell said, “This is the 4th annual Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting, and it has become a favorite local event in Somers. We wanted to host an unforgettable evening to kick off the holidays, and it is a great way for the community to come together and celebrate the start of the holiday season.”
She continued, “Events like this provide an opportunity to give back to the community and support local businesses. We do what we can to support the many amazing, local shops and restaurants by encouraging residents to shop, eat, and spend local on the day of the festival.”
The festival is working with many different town and civic groups to provide an array of fun and festive activities that include crafts and games, inflatable bounce house, slide and snow globe.
There will be plenty of food available. The Lion’s Club will be serving hot dogs, the Somers Fire Department Auxiliary will serve bowls of hot chili and the Somers Senior Center staff will be making their famous meatball sliders. The Somers Girls Scouts will also provide cookies and hot cocoa, and the Somers Rotary Club will hand out fresh popcorn.
The Somers High School Honors Choir and Band, the Valley Carolers, and the Somers Girl Scouts will perform a collection of holiday songs.
“Frozen’s” Elsa, Anna and Kristoff will be there to greet attendees, along with a visit from Santa.
At 7 p.m., the Somers Cultural Commission will sponsor the KC Sisters Holiday Concert at Somers Congregational Church.
Parsell told Reminder Publishing that one of the most rewarding parts of this event is collaborating with the town and civic groups. Everyone works hard to create an unforgettable evening for their community. Seeing the joy on everyone’s faces, seeing adults cry tears of joy when they see Santa arrive and the children surround him, is incredibly heartwarming, she shared.
This annual event fosters community pride and strengthens relationships within the community. From elected officials, staff, civic groups, and volunteers working together, these connections are the glue that holds the community together. Improving the quality of life, creating a happier and healthier community, and creating a sense of community and belonging.
“We expect approximately 350 to 400 people to attend,” said Parsell. “We just hope that the community enjoys a festive evening with their families, friends and neighbors.”
She went on to say, “This event confirms the true importance of community, giving back, togetherness, and fellowship. Our event promotes community spirit, making Somers stronger, more vibrant, and a better place to live. It is a positive way to get the community together and to celebrate the start of the holiday.”
