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Holiday happenings

Tree lighting kicks off Dickens Holiday Weekend

OBSERVER Photo by Tonja Dodd A Dickens Christmas weekend is kicked off in Moore Park Friday, November 17, 2017 in Westfield. Carolers and families gather at the gazebo while awaiting Santa to light the Christmas tree.

WESTFIELD – Dickens carolers and families welcomed Santa and Mrs. Claus to Moore Park. Santa and Mrs. Claus cruised in on a Village of Westfield Electric Department Truck Friday evening, just after 6:00 p.m.

The jovial duo exclaimed, “Merry Christmas” as they dismounted to street level and walked through the crowd of little ones and their families. Santa then lit the 20-foot evergreen adjacent to the gazebo in the center of the park. Before Santa’s entrance, young children played tag while many attendees enjoyed hot dogs and hot chocolate and listened to their favorite seasonal songs performed by the volunteer minstrels, dressed in full period attire.

Gabe and Michele Shields and their young son, Odin, of Westfield, attend the tree lighting annually, come rain or shine. Michele was happy with the calm yet chilly weather as she recalls pulling a sled on a snowy and bitter cold evening in the past. The Shields family met up with their friends, Emily, Don, Braden and Braxtyn Paddock, also from Westfield, who too enjoy the annual family-friendly event as a way to get into the holiday spirit.

Rick and Jennifer Vahl came from Cassadaga to experience their friend’s one-man performance of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” in the sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church. Their famed friend and actor Mr. Kim Tenreiro performs the show nationwide, donating all proceeds to local organizations. The monies from the Westfield performance will benefit the Lake Shore Center of the Arts.

Before the show, Tenreiro gave a thoughtful lecture.

He spoke about the Victorian period in London of which the play is set. Tenreiro also briefed the audience on Dickens’ life. Tenreiro suggested Dickens “had his own ghosts of the past” that he attempted to cope with daily and had a morose demeanor. He also heralded Dickens arguing, “A Christmas Carol” has been performed on stage more than any other play in the world and the book was the catalyst for a romantic revival of Christmas traditions that we continue to celebrate to this day.

The entire village of Westfield is part of the Dickens holiday spirit showcasing lights, decorations and special treats. After the Moore Park tree lighting, the YWCA invited families to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus with a photo opportunity in the main hall. The gymnasium was open for children to play, along with a spread of holiday goodies on which to snack.

The Say family came to the annual tree lighting and visit with Santa at the Y for the first time from Mayville. Daughter McKenzie asked Santa for Barbies and Peppa Pig toys. Parents Tabitha and Gary, along with McKenzie, enjoyed the carolers at the gazebo in the park as well. McKenzie especially liked singing her favorite carol, Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer. Alivia Belson and her parents, Erica and Matt also visited with Santa. A kindergartener at Westfield, Alivia also asked for the timeless Barbie toy.

Eason Hall, Patterson Library, McClurg Museum, the First Presbyterian church, the Brenda Eno Art Gallery, village shops and historic homes all host Dickens holiday activities throughout the entire weekend in Westfield. Call Marilyn Hemmer for information on Dickens Holiday activities at 326- 3504.

Dickens would be proud of the Christmas message of love, forgiveness and generosity expected throughout the season in Westfield.

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