Williamstown began as the "frontier" town West Hoosuck in 1750, the last outpost before the wilderness and native people. It is well known for such cultural landmarks as the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, Williams College (established in 1793 at the bequest of Colonel Ephraim Williams), many cozy inns and bed and breakfasts and the iconic Williamstown Theatre Festival. However, there are many other reasons to visit Williamstown, as a trip to the Williamstown Holiday Walk will demonstrate. Just a walk, you might ask?
No, indeed, though the festivities do commence with a Luminary Walk, which has become a notable feature in New England Holiday celebrations. 1,700 luminarias act as guideposts for a stroll through some of "The Village Beautiful's" most picturesque neighborhoods, as guests are serenaded by an assemblage of musicians and performers, elves and an authentic Town Crier, greeting you at the red-and-white candy cane balloon gateway. Your path will wind through the glowing holiday decorated streets, ending in a large sing-along on the steps of the Post Office. In addition to the Walk, some will choose to ride on actual horse drawn rides down Spring Street, while others will nip into The Log to warm up on snacks and more musical entertainment. While strolling, why not stop at the Lasell Gymnasium for an Old Fashioned Penny Social which features a raffle, bake sale, arts and crafts from local artisans and youngsters and such merriment as face painting, more music and a chance to pose for pix with old St. Nick!
Organizer Claudine Auget took the helm of this operation several years ago to try and make the Stroll more of a fun and organized activity for kids and their families. She points out that Spring Street, where many of the main events will be taking place, will be closed in order to ensure the safety of strollers, as well as to make room for the horse-drawn hay rides! She said that the Girl Scouts are the ones responsible for putting out the luminarias and that, as a special treat, Friday Night will have a "sneak preview" of the weekend fun in the form of a dance recital at Mass MOCA, which will give many people their first look at this cutting edge "museum of the future." She also said the proceeds from the Penny Social are donated to local charities and, in fact, many of the activities are designed to aid local charities. She also promised that there would be music of all styles being performed by well-known local performers.
With so many things to see and do, and so many places to stay and enjoy the whole weekend, you would be hard pressed to find more holiday fun than the Williamstown Holiday Walk. For more information and specific dates and times, contact the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce. |
Among the other Walk-related highlights:
