December 9 was the 25thyear of the Marion Holiday Stroll, an event originally conceptualized as a festive way for village businesses to give back to the communities they serve and that patronize their establishments. Which is why the Holiday Stroll is more than the extraordinary arrival of Santa via lobster boat and his grand tour of the village atop a horse-drawn carriage.
The Holiday Stroll is a cheerful scene of families, neighbors, town officials, and business proprietors alike out together in the streets in celebration, enjoying cups of hot cocoa, popcorn, hot dogs, and candy canes courtesy of Marion’s local businesses.
For the past 16 years, Marion residents Eric and Paula Strand have been the organizers of the annual event that represents Marion’s official seasons greeting. The couple and their kids, Alex and Ava, keep the important tradition alive, given that it wouldn’t feel like the holidays in Marion without it after all these years that have established the stroll as one of the essential elements of a year in the life of Marion.
“It all started as a way for the community businesses to give back to the town,” said Paula from the middle of Spring Street as the road was cordoned off for the event.
“But it’s all about doing it without the commercialism,” said Eric. “There’s no commercialism. It’s about keeping with the Christmas spirit. It’s not about who is who and who does what.”
Of course, coordinating a large-scale event like the Marion Holiday Stroll is no easy feat, but with tradition comes consistency and comfort. Those who contribute know what they need to do, how to do it, and where to do it. From the horse handlers to the Sippican School Band, from Santa to the Grinch, the pieces know what places to fall into.
“We also do it with a slew of volunteers,” said Paula. “If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be able to pull it off.”
There was a hearty crowd this year, which continued to grow as the Patriots game ended later in the afternoon and more revelers left their televisions and took to the village streets. Rides on the horse carriage with Santa continued into the evening as the Sippican School Band provided the musical backdrop while lights twinkled from the surrounding houses and Bicentennial Park just around the corner.
By Jean Perry
