T he holiday season’s biggest, roundest, jolliest and most recognizable figure is coming to the Lakes Region.
Santa Claus will visit Poultney from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4, as part of the community’s annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony.
The gregarious elf from the north will arrive at the Poultney Library around 6:30 p.m., not in his sleigh as many would expect, but aboard a vehicle befitting his red décor, one of Poultney’s fire trucks.
After greeting the throngs of children (usually 100 to 150 of them) eagerly awaiting his arrival, Santa will lead the annual Holiday Parade down Main Street to the Town Office for the lighting of the community memory tree.
The parade is scheduled to assemble immediately following Santa’s arrival and local children are invited to march in the procession.
Prior to his arrival, local residents will want to bring their children to the Poultney Library for a special story hour for all ages.
The library is scheduled to open its door several minutes before 6 p.m. and all those in attendance will be invited into the back room of the library for the telling of holiday themed stories.
“We’ll have a story time from 6 to 6:30 p.m. It will be an assortment of songs and stories for children of all ages,” explained Rebecca Cook.
Although parents are free to listen to the stories, Cook said most stay in the front room of the library and mingle with other parents.
Once the parade reaches the Town Office, officials will light the community’s memory tree around 7 p.m.
According to Nina Corbin, the memory tree contains a number of lights, each of which was purchased by members of the community in remembrance of loved ones who have passed on.
She said the money from the sale of those lights benefited the Poultney Food Shelf.
Following the tree lighting, adults and kids alike are invited to join Santa for refreshments and the singing of several holiday melodies.
Residents will also have the chance to enjoy a meal or complete a little holiday shopping at one of the many businesses located on Main Street.
Most of the local shops and eateries will remain open later that evening in honor of the evening’s festivities.
For more information on this event, call the Poultney Chamber of Commerce at 287-2010, or visit www.poultneyvt.com.
