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Date: 11/29/2022
AMHERST – The Lighting of the Merry Maple tree in Amherst’s North Common on Dec. 2 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event will feature live music, refreshments, activities and will be followed by a Santa Claus meet-and-greet at the Amherst Historical Museum. The event is organized by the Amherst Chamber of Commerce and the Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with the presenting sponsor bankESB.
From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. the Amherst Fire Station will have an open house, where visitors may tour the station and see a firetruck up close. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. hayrides will be provided by Muddy Brook Farm, departing and arriving from the Town Common, and donuts and cider will be available in front of the Town Hall steps. At 4:30 p.m. the Amherst Regional Middle School (ARMS) chorus will be performing on the town hall steps, and at 4:45 p.m. the Merry Maple will be lit.
At 5:30 p.m. the University of Massachusetts Amherst Marching Band will lead a parade where Santa will be delivered by the Amherst Fire Department. Then at 6:30 p.m. attendees will march to the Amherst Historical Museum, located in the Amherst Historical Society’s (AHS) Strong House building at 67 Amity St., to visit with Santa and take pictures. Anyone who wishes to take pictures must bring their own camera or phone, as there will be no designated photographer.
This year will be the first tree lighting ceremony to take place on the “new” Merry Maple. Due to structural problems from old age, the original tree that Amherst has lit for many years was cut down on Nov. 17. However, another maple tree in the common will be lit. Executive Director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce Claudia Pazmany addressed any concerns about lighting a different tree.
“Actually historically, my understanding is that the Chamber has gone back and forth with lighting that particular Merry Maple that came down and the smaller maple in the past. So this is not unprecedented, but I think the fact that we have to is what’s making a little bit of a headline. We’re putting more lights on this one than ever. The BID, who partners with us on this event, went all out and really made the smaller tree brighter than ever, so it will be a spectacular event once it is illuminated,” Pazmany said.
On the event, AHS Board of Directors President Gigi Barnhill said she is looking forward to the event.
“I believe this year people will simply walk from the North Common over to the Historical Society and we will have a Santa Claus on tap. We’re decorating the parlor and hopefully the main hall to welcome people, and people can take photos of their children with Santa … It’s a very simple event, but it’s a wonderful way for the Historical Society to connect with families and children,” Barnhill said.
The AHS is accepting donations of extra Christmas decorations, an extra artificial Christmas tree and any volunteers willing to help set up.
BID Executive Director Gabrielle Gould promoted the event in a recent press release and discussed plans for after the ceremony.
“The traditional gathering has grown over the years, bringing town and gown together with participants from the Middle School choir, the Minuteman Marching band from the University of Massachusetts and treats from Atkins Farms. A great night to do curb side pickup from your favorite local restaurant or visit your favorite downtown restaurant with your friends and families…And remember Merry Day is December 3 and join the Amherst BID for its first Annual Sip & Shop Stroll on December 15. We intend to make this a very merry season for ALL.”
Pazmany encouraged community members of all ages to attend, promising fun for everyone.
“It’s such an easy, family fun event. The live marching band coming through downtown is definitely something the entire family will always remember. What I also love seeing is at the end of the night, people stay in town to hang out, no one rushes to leave, even though they might be freezing cold. It’s the warmth of the night. It’s the live music, from the choral singers to the marching band. We have all kind of arts and crafts on the common, there’s going to be little tents. We’re going to be selling cider and donuts from Atkin’s. Amherst Recreation will be doing a craft. There’s always something…Even though it’s cold, it’s a really warm feeling.”