A tradition for more than 15 years, the annual Holiday Festival did not disappoint the several hundred in attendance Thursday night at the city municipal building.
“It’s a great event and every year it seems to be more successful,” said Groton city Police Chief Bruno Guilini. “We get to showcase the great talent of our elementary and middle school singers and musicians, and you know Santa will be a hit.”
And just then, no, not sleigh bells, but the horn of a fire truck announced the arrival of the man in red himself.
“We always do that; he comes by fire truck,” Guilini said. A mad dash to the front doors welcomed Santa.
The festival chairman was police youth officer Scott Lesage, who acted as the master of ceremonies for the event. Decorations, refreshments, and “all the work,” was provided by city staff and volunteers as well as members of the city parks and recreation, human services and clerk’s departments. Dunkin’ Donuts supplied the goodies.
Appearing were members of the band and choirs and singers from and schools, as well as the choir from St. John’s Christian Church.
Mayor Marian Galbraith, who was very much in the spirit and posed for pictures with Rudolph and Santa, called the festival “a lot of fun.”
“It’s all about the kids,” she said, adding, “the employees of this city care very much and put a lot of energy into it.”
