The rain was heavy, but the children’s hearts were light when Rochester held a different than usual annual Christmas Tree Lighting in front of Town Hall on Sunday, November 30.
For years the entire ceremony had been held outdoors in the evening on the first Monday in December. This year, most of the ceremony took place in the First Congregational Church Hall starting at 4:00 pm. There, residents and their children prepared tree ornaments and consumed cookies and hot cocoa until Santa Claus, chauffeured in an antique jalopy, arrived outside.
The children were overjoyed to see Santa, a mood that couldn’t be dampened by either the rain or the sudden appearance of the Grinch shortly after St. Nick (at least it was the Grinch who handed out small gifts to the young attendees from his small satchel).
Back inside, a mix of children from the Rochester Memorial School sang Christmas songs, as Santa and even the Grinch himself joined in until Santa had to leave early because his elves needed him, Events Committee Chair Sharon Hartley told him.
Before he left, however, Santa spoke to The Wanderer to explain his visit to Rochester this year. “I was invited,” he said. “I heard there were so many good children in Rochester, and I wanted to stop by and say hello.”
When everyone went back outside, Select Board Chair Adam Murphy introduced First Congregational Church Pastor Colby Olson, who said a prayer blessing the event, then handed Hartley the switch to flick on the tree lights to the children’s cheers.
Asked why this year’s event was held on the Sunday of Thanksgiving week as opposed to the traditional first Monday in December, Town Administrator Cameron Durant explained, “The (Events) Committee wanted to try something different.” Asked if the switch to the indoor location for much of the ceremony will continue in future years, Durant said that it will be up to the committee. “I hope it does, no matter what the committee decides for next year,” he said.
Police Chief Michael Assad commented on the Grinch’s sudden appearance and quick disappearance at Town Hall. “We have an active investigation to apprehend him,” he said. “We have a ‘BOLO’ (be on the lookout) out on him. We’ll keep the town safe from him.”
Rochester Tree Lighting
By Michael J. DeCicco