Chamber’s Holiday Lighting Festivities Planned for this Friday

Ring in the season Friday, November 28th in Winthrop Center for the Chamber of Commerce’s 23rd annual “Holiday Lighting Festival” from 3:00-6:00 p.m.

Nationally recognized magician and children’s entertainer, Mike Bent of AbraKidabra, brings his “Ho-Ho-Hocus Pocus” magic show to town the day after Thanksgiving.  Presented by the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by The 11 Foundation, the show starts at 4:00 pm and features “One of the most creative and imaginative people in magic,” according to The White House Easter Egg Roll Program.

In addition to the kid friendly comedy and magic of Mike Bent, there will be other great live entertainment on the stage.  Performances by Cervizzi’s Martial Arts Academy, the Winthrop Girl Scouts, the Winthrop School of Performing Arts, Winthrop Public School Vocal Vikings, John & Lori Wadkins and students and The Winthrop Playmakers.

Have a free photo with Santa Claus in French Square from 3:00 – 5:00 pm, courtesy of Webster First Federal Credit Union.  There will also be “reindeer” pony rides from 3:00 – 5:00 pm in the Center. Making a special appearance this year will be a Minion, joining The Grinch, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Dali, the Christmas Dalmatian and Tedi, the Teddy Bear. . Lots of tasty treats that day too, as OHS Training and Consulting will be serving free popcorn and WCAT will be selling cotton candy as a fundraiser for the station. Many establishments will be offering food and drink specials as well as special sales for the afternoon.  Balloon City of Boston will be handing out free balloons and Twisted Pieces will be making amazing balloon creations.

The festival highlight is Santa Claus arriving on the fire engine!  The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts lead the procession from the center fire station for the tree lighting at 5:30 PM. After the tree lighting we will announce the winners of our coloring contest and have the raffle drawing for two $250 Winthrop Gift Certificates.  The winners must be present.

We hope you will bring your holiday spirit and join us for the 23rd Annual Winthrop Chamber of Commerce Holiday Lighting Festival from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Friday, November 28.  Again this year our Grand Sponsor is Massport.  A special thank you to The Winthrop Fire Department, Police Department, and the DPW.  Thank you to those who make this day possible with their contributions of time, talent and donations.  Each year businesses and individuals donate to help make the Holiday Lighting Festival possible.

Donations we have received to date are from:

The 11 Foundation, Webster First Federal Credit Union,  OHS Training and Consulting, A & V Nails, Paul W. Marks Co., East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, Bob DeLeo, Speaker of the House, Cottage Hill Real Estate, D’Parma Restaurant, Elliot Whittier Insurance, Gagin Insurance, Macfarland Insurance, Senator Anthony Petruccelli, East Boston Savings Bank, Winthrop Senior Center, Viking Taxi, Café DeLite,

Commonwealth Clinical Services, Mally’s Hair Expressions, Woodside ACE Hardware, Nadine P. Calla, Attorney at Law, The Eye Center of Winthrop, Vincent Recchia, Chestnut Hill Wealth Management Group, Maurice W. Kirby Funeral Home, June Wadkins Music, Active Autobody