It’s lit: Annual Town Hall tree lighting goes off without a hitch, but lots of Grinch
Dec 10, 2023
And they’re on! The event concluded with the large tree flickering to life. Photos by Sean Flannelly
Audrey Arruda, 9, smiles with her sister Sophia, 6, and dad Lou in front of the Who-ville green screen.
The Parks departments poses in front of Who-ville. Photo by Dartmouth Community Media
Magician Todd Migliacci gets some audience assistance with a trick.
Eight-year-old Hope is excited to be a part of the festivities.
Nick Braga is clearly on the nice list (this year).
At the Town Hall tree lighting, the Grinch wasn’t the only one trying to put a damper on Christmas: Sunday night’s rainy weather tried its hardest too.
But despite the best efforts of both, the annual Town Hall tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 10 went smoothly, largely thanks to the middle school opening its doors to provide attendees some refuge from the elements.
Hundreds of community members showed up to celebrate the occasion, which featured games, baked goods, a raffle, a magic show, a photo booth and many, many Grinch-themed surprises.
“It’s all about the kids and the families,” said Select Board member Stanley Mickelson, who helps plan the event every year. “It’s a festive time of the year, we want everyone to be happy.”
The ceremony grows bigger and bigger every year, said Peter Chasse, director of Dartmouth Community Media, which helps produce the event in addition to filming it.
This year, DCTV set up a special “Who-ville” photo booth to fit the Grinch theme. The booth featured a green screen behind the banner that will depict the fictional city.
Recreation Coordinator Becky Amaral, the major creative force behind the event, said she gets a theme in her head every year, then picks out decorations, treats and gifts to fit it. Last year’s theme was Snoopy, and Amaral even dressed up as the iconic pup. This year, she fashioned her hair into knots to become Cindy Lou Who, the plucky heroine from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
Her commitment to the classic cartoon and story did not go unnoticed: resident Jeff Niles said he comes to the Town Hall tree lighting every year, and since he loves the Grinch, this was his “favorite one so far.”
Amaral said the event would not have been possible without all of the town departments and emergency services that came together to offer help. Each department hosted its own booth with different games or treats.
Bank 5 also sponsored the event, along with Conquerors for Christ Church, which performed live holiday music.
The event concluded with its original purpose, to celebrate the lighting of the large tree in front of Town Hall for the holiday season.
After a crowd-wide countdown, the festive lights turned on, illuminating the cheering crowd.
The lights will stay on for the month, providing holiday cheer to all who drive near.
