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Date: 11/29/2022
SOUTH HADLEY/GRANBY – The annual Holiday Stroll is returning on Dec. 2 at the South Hadley Village Commons from 5-7:30 p.m. and again shines a light on the two communities love and excitement for the holiday season.
The event is hosted by the South Hadley and Granby Chamber of Commerce and Chamber President Regina Zebrowski said the Chamber is just as excited as the public to gather once again for the Holiday Stroll.
“The Holiday Stroll continues to foster a sense of community and this annual event is deeply intertwined with South Hadley’s identity,” Zebrowski said. “The stroll shows the strength and pride we have in our community, regardless of economy or the changes that occur globally. So many share their time and talents to make sure this continues to be impactful and so successful.”
Events included for this year’s Holiday Stroll are the parade with Santa and Mrs. Claus, the tree lighting, music, hot coco, face painting, a scavenger hunt, giveaways and much more.
The gathering at the Village Commons has only grown over the last three decades plus and has become the major holiday season event in town. Zebrowski, who also chairs the Holiday Stroll event, said the location adds to the wonder of the holiday season event.
“The commons is a whimsical and beautifully architected setting with buildings rooted in the tradition of an old New England town. Having this setting as the backdrop for the Stroll only adds to the overall experience and it has been such a meaningful partner over three decades,” Zebrowski said.
Expectations are high once again for this year’s event according to Zebrowski as she expects children and families to come out and see Santa and Mrs. Claus as well as the annual tree lighting ceremony. Local businesses have come together generously according to Zebrowski as many have come to sponsor the event and will have tables and tents set up at the stroll. They will share seasonal treats and activities for families to check out.
A new feature to this year’s Holiday Stroll is the addition of the South Hadley Police Department’s 19th annual Toys for Tots drive to benefit needy children in the Pioneer Valley. For the first time they will be set up at the Holiday Stroll and are asking anyone who is able to contribute by bringing a new, unwrapped toy or item for children ages infant through 18 years old.
These toys will be distributed around the region by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. If there are any questions concerning this fundraiser, the public can feel free to contact Sergeant Michael Pollender or Officer Emily Tebo at 538-8231.
Additional sponsors of this year’s stroll are Hampshire Towing, Jubinville Insurance, Tree of Life, ERA Laplante, Brighter Beginnings and Greenfield-Northampton Cooperative Bank. For more information on this year’s Holiday stroll, you can email melissa@shgchamber.com.
“The chamber always invites a nonprofit organization to participate in the stroll, we feel it is so important to support every level of our community, especially those who work tirelessly and offer assistance to those who are in need,” Zebrowski said.