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Date: 11/27/2023
EASTHAMPTON — On Dec. 3, the Easthampton Community Center will have their 10th annual Easthampton Holiday Whobulation at Millside Park from 5:30-7 p.m. The Grinch and Santa Claus are back again to spread some holiday cheer, exchange gifts and join in with families around the Christmas tree to sing the Whoville Song.
Executive Director Robin Bialecki said, “The very first year, we thought it was going to be just a one-time occurrence. It was going to be a flash mob. We were going to get together some folks to celebrate the holidays and Whoville. We never anticipated the crowds would be as big as they are.”
Ten years ago, Fahn Miner and Elaine Wood, who are always supportive of events at the Community Center came up with the idea of having a flash mob and having people bring toys. Many in Easthampton feel that the city is the model for “Whoville” in Dr Seuss’ book, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.”
Bialecki said it has been researched but never proven that the mountain in the book is Mt. Tom, but the Valley below certainly appears to look like Easthampton. The center decided to call the event a Whobulation celebrating the Grinch and the spirit of giving. There used to be a parade for Santa, but it stopped a few years ago. Bialecki thought since the Grinch’s heart has grown so big that perhaps they should put the Grinch and Santa together.
“The Holiday Whobulation event has become a staple in Easthampton,” Bialecki said. “There’s so many people outside the area that have heard about it and will contact me from Springfield, Chicopee, Holyoke, Boston and Pennsylvania. It’s a great additional legacy to the brilliant Dr. Seuss and all that he was doing to teach children to work together and be a community.”
For questions on the event, call the Eashampton Community Center directly at 413-527-5240.