Tree lightings, parade will usher in winter

Thousands expected to enjoy fireworks, carriage rides, more

MIDDLETOWN — The 33rd annual Holiday On Main Street will ring in the most festive time of the year downtown on the day after Thanksgiving.

The Holiday on Main Street Committee, chaired by Al Santostefano and cochairman Rich Greco, in conjunction with the city of Middletown, invites the public to ring in the season with three tree-lighting ceremonies and parade along Main Street Nov. 23 from 4 to 8:15 p.m.

Last year, over 3,000 people enjoyed the holiday sights and sounds on the South Green, and more are expected this year, according to the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce Central Business Bureau. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. with free wagon rides on Main Street, according to a news release. There will be a break while the tree lighting is happening on the South Green, and the rides will resume afterward.

The Kiwanis Club of Middletown will be selling hot pretzels and popcorn in front of the chamber, at 393 Main St., and the Middletown High School Crew Team will be offering hot chocolate, coffee and desserts next door, outside the Church of the Holy Trinity, 381 Main St.

A carol sing with the Middletown High School Concert Choir will begin at 5 p.m. prior to the tree lightings, directed by Stephanie Zak; the Woodrow Wilson Seventh- and Eighth-Grade Select Chorus directed by Ali Sinicrope and Keigwin Middle School Chorus directed by Jeannine Westbrook.

The event is sponsored by the Middletown Commission

on the Arts, with emcee Trevor Davis from Trevor Davis Commercial Real Estate.

Maisy Mouse will arrive on the Holiday On Main wagon with third-grade Middletown students chosen by their teachers for good citizenship, good behavior, being respectful to others, and demonstrating the spirit of giving in everyday life, according to the release.

The first tree lighting at 6 will be on the South Green, led by Mayor Daniel Drew and Santa Claus. Immediately following, there will be a short fireworks display.

A parade up Main Street led by the Middletown High School Band, Woodrow Wilson Middle School Band and Santa Claus will make its way to the chamber, where the tree on the roof will be lit at 6:15 p.m., followed by free pictures with Santa until 7:45 p.m.

At 8:15 p.m., there will be festivities in front of Eli Cannon’s Tap Room at 695 Main St. Santa will arrive to light the tree, and there will be elves on hand to provide children with free popcorn, cookies, hot chocolate and other treats, the release said.

On Nov. 24, festivities continue from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with many familyfriendly activities.

From10 a.m. until 2 p.m., The Civitan Club of Middletown will sell popcorn and hot pretzels in front of the chamber with holiday music played by Harvest Woods Audio. The Middletown High School Crew Team will sell hot chocolate, coffee and desserts in front of the Holy Trinity.

Family activities also begin at 10 a.m. The fun train will offer free rides on the sidewalk around downtown until 2 p.m. Children will have the opportunity to meet Santa and enjoy free horse-and-wagon rides. A holiday photo booth, located by the crosswalk in front of Holy Trinity Church, is free to all.

Join the mayor and Maisy Mouse for a holiday story time reading at the Inn at Middletown from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Afterward, there will be a book signing by Maisy Mouse.

A pet food drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of Holy Trinity Church to benefit the homeless pets at Middletown Animal Control. People are asked to bring donations of chew toys (no rawhide), blankets, towels, canned wet, as well as dry dog and cat food. For information, email Lauren Middleton at LMiddleton@ForestCityMarketing.com.

There will also be a kung fu demonstration by children and adults of the Tat Wong Kung Fu Academy from 1:30 to 1:45 p.m. at Vinnie’s Jump and Jive, 424 Main St.

Holiday on Main Street continues weekly: Dec. 1, 8 and 15. Parking is free in city lots during that time. For information, visit HolidayOnMain.com or contact Haley Stafford at 860-3476924 or Haley@middlesexchamber.com.

Hearst Connecticut Media file photo Rinat Reed, of Middletown, recounts his wish list to Santa, Al Santostefano, during Holiday on Main Street in this archive shot.

Hearst Connecticut Media file photo Scores of people enjoyed the festivities, including horse-and-carriage rides, during the 32nd annual Holiday On Main Street in downtown Middletown.