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Date: 12/8/2021
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Thumpity thump-thump, thumpity thump-thump, Central Street was rocking with a throng of elementary-aged children and their parents for the town’s Caroling Sing-Along and tree-lighting ceremony on Dec. 2.
Unlike previous years, in which the event took place on the Elm Street Common and featured a performance by the Tatham School choir, the Park and Recreation Department greatly expanded the 2021 version, blocking off Central Street and inviting choirs from all five public elementary schools.
On a relatively mild Thursday evening, each choir took a turn on stage in the lit and amplified Park and Rec trailer, singing two or three songs each. Youthful exuberance was on full display whenever the pupils had a chance to make noise — such as the foot-stomping “thumpity” bits in the holiday classic “Frosty the Snowman,” as sung by Memorial School.
“It was awesome,” said Mayor William Reichelt. “It was a great start of the season.”
Halfway through the musical program, Reichelt took the stage himself and led the children in a loud countdown from 10. When they reached one, Reichelt “threw the switch” and white lights lit up on the tree outside Town Hall. The town’s Central Maintenance Department was responsible for the outdoor lights on Central and Elm streets.
Reichelt also pointed out that town departments had decorated their windows facing Central Street.
He said he was impressed with the “massive turnout” for the event, which filled the street in front of the Town Hall, blocked off for the occasion.
“The great weather helped,” he said.
It was the first time the town had set up a community event on Central Street, Reichelt said. The Town Common parks along Park Street and Elm Street can be difficult for parking and circulation, he said, and the adjoining roadways are main streets that can’t be blocked off. Central Street, on the other hand, is a side street that mainly serves Town Hall and the parking lot across the street.
He said he would like to find a way to include downtown businesses in the celebration next year.