Oh the weather outside was frightful, but the buoy tree was so delightful
The Padanaram Buoy Tree. Photos by Kat Sheridan
Aurea Wilson, 10, catches a bubble.
Amelie, 9, and Colby Philp, 11, pose with the Grinch.
The Victorian Carolers serenade the crowd with Christmas favorites. 
Johnny (4), Eliza (6) and Claira (3) get their photo taken at the selfie spot.
Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus ask a child what he wants for Christmas.
Alexander Couto, 6, decorates a cookie.
A crowd of hundreds gathers to watch the buoy tree.
Elves Adam Barboza, Tatum Barboza and Joey Inacio pose for a photo. 
The buoy tree lights up Padanaram Village.
Liam Miller, 7, poses in the ice sculpture.
Chip Koser perfects an ice sculpture.
You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch. 
A woman dressed as a illuminated angel. 
A child investigates the mailbox for Santa.
Harper Silva, 9, writes a letter to Santa.
Courtney Gwozdz hangs an ornament for the Jimmy Fund. 
Mrs. Claus shows off her light-up skirt.
Aurora Cove, 2.5, gives a dog a hug.
The Punk Cellist plays for those visiting the village. 
The Dartmouth High School Chamber Orchestra performs.
The Padanaram Buoy Tree. Photos by Kat Sheridan
Aurea Wilson, 10, catches a bubble.
Amelie, 9, and Colby Philp, 11, pose with the Grinch.
The Victorian Carolers serenade the crowd with Christmas favorites.
Johnny (4), Eliza (6) and Claira (3) get their photo taken at the selfie spot.
Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus ask a child what he wants for Christmas.
Alexander Couto, 6, decorates a cookie.
A crowd of hundreds gathers to watch the buoy tree.
Elves Adam Barboza, Tatum Barboza and Joey Inacio pose for a photo.
The buoy tree lights up Padanaram Village.
Liam Miller, 7, poses in the ice sculpture.
Chip Koser perfects an ice sculpture.
You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch.
A woman dressed as a illuminated angel.
A child investigates the mailbox for Santa.
Harper Silva, 9, writes a letter to Santa.
Courtney Gwozdz hangs an ornament for the Jimmy Fund.
Mrs. Claus shows off her light-up skirt.
Aurora Cove, 2.5, gives a dog a hug.
The Punk Cellist plays for those visiting the village.
The Dartmouth High School Chamber Orchestra performs.
Hundreds braved the 20 degree weather to usher in the Christmas season. What a bright time it was in Padanaram Village during the annual Padanaram Holiday Stroll and Buoy Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 5.
Many local businesses had Christmas activities for everyone in their stores, where people could go to escape the cold. Kids decorated cookies and ornaments, got their faces painted, played with bubbles and posed for pictures with Santa and the Grinch.
Aubrey Camara, 5, said that her favorite part was the face painting. She described the event as “good.”
For everyone, there was a concert by the Dartmouth High School Chamber Orchestra, caroling, ice sculpting, a digital photo booth, cookies and cider and a strolling juggler. For adults, there was a well-stocked bar and options for wine at many stores.
Aubrey’s mom Erica Camara and grandmother Christine Carter were also in attendance. Camara has been attending this for years, while this was Carter’s first time.
Camara said she likes that all the shops are open for people to visit as they enjoy the festivities, and that there is something for everyone at the shops. Carter enjoyed watching Santa ride in on the firetruck.
“It’s amazing, it’s so much fun,” she said. “So family friendly.”
Prior to the tree being lit, they thanked the elves from Stonegate Mortgage, the Padanaram Business Association and Molly Armando, who began the buoy tree tradition five years ago.
The tree was only partially completed as of Thursday, Dec. 6, and the community gathered to help Padanaram finish the tree in time to illuminate the night at the stroll.
Karyn Polito, former lieutenant governor of Massachusetts, lit the tree this year.
“When in the darkest and most turbulent of times, [Armando and the Padanaram Business Association] thought about a way to bring this community together and to help support and guide us through the challenges of COVID,” said Polito, “And they created this beautiful buoy tree, and now it’s wonderful to get together and light it up.”
There are designs of all kinds on the tree: Captain America shields, the Dartmouth High School Indian, snowmen, Santa, candy canes and so many more.
This year, the money raised from buoy sales and the auctioning of the buoys went to Lighthouse Animal Shelter in New Bedford. The bid to own a buoy from the tree will be active starting Saturday, Dec. 6.
“It’s so much fun,” said Carter.
