James Homan fills the air with frost flakes as the Frost Family parades in a past Lantern Light Parade sponsored by Westfield on Weekends. This year’s parade is Dec. 7.(Photo by Carl E. Hartdegen)
WESTFIELD – Westfield on Weekends is bringing seasonal cheer to the city with its annual DecemberFest series of events.
DecemberFest began with the Tree Jubilee Nov. 29, which continues Dec. 7-8, and is highlighted by this weekend’s Lantern Light workshop and parade, Mayor’s Tree Lighting and Holiday House Tour.
WOW DecemberFest organizer Robert Plasse said he hopes the community will join in the fun beginning with the free Lantern Light Family Workshop Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Westfield Middle School.
The school cafeteria will be transformed into a land of snow and families can create their own lanterns to use in the Lantern Light Parade later that day.
Plasse stated “It’s a fun time for everyone, celebrating a DecemberFest world of many faiths and family traditions with treats, crafting, a special raffle and even a visit from ‘Snowy,’ DecemberFest’s jolly Snowman.”
The entire community is also welcome to join in the parade, which assembles at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 60 Broad St. Bring your lanterns and dress warmly, said Plasse.
Plasse said the parade starting point was moved because the parade continues to grow each year and St. John’s offered a larger staging area.
The parade steps-off at 6:15 p.m. Acting Mayor Ralph J. Figy, city officials, Westfield families, floats, the Westfield High School Band, community organizations and the e Giant Puppets of puppeteer Anne Cubberly. Will promenade down Broad Street and around Park Square Green for the Mayor’s Tree-lighting Ceremony.
Figy, city faith leaders and other officials will help light the 20-foot tree.
The Mount Moriah Lodge will provide hot cocoa, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by firetruck.
The festivities continue Dec. 8 with the WOW Holiday House Tour from 12-4 p.m. Starting at WOW’s Creative Arts Center at 105 Elm St., participants can purchase a ticket for the tour and visit private homes, as well as The Dewey House, all decorated for the holidays.
For more information, visit westfieldonweekends.com.
