Last Sunday’s Holiday Market and Tree Lighting, organized by the Friends of the Easton Public Library, was a big hit for all. Everyone — young and old — seemed to enjoy it.
Thanks to all: artisans, Friends’ volunteers, and members, shoppers, the Barlow Chamber Singers, our engaging Santa and Ms. Claus, library staff members, and all from the town who joined us.
Our purpose was to bring the community together, and, if possible, to raise a little money as a “sidebar” benefit. Happily, we accomplished both of these objectives.
Shared one long-time Easton resident: “I can’t remember the last time so many from our Easton community came together. You deserve a huge thank you for all your efforts!”
Friends volunteer extraordinaire Kelly Skarupa, who organized our vendors, reported that the vendors echoed this enthusiasm. As one told her: “The foot traffic was tremendous. It was so much fun to participate. I also got to meet other local vendors I didn’t previously know. Be sure to count us in again for next year.”
Kelly herself — who spent many weeks planning — added: “All of the hard work was worth it after seeing so many members of the community come out for this event, enjoying themselves and catching up with friends and neighbors.”
And Beth Cliff, aka Ms. Claus, chimed in too: “The whole thing was so much fun. I just love this time of year and the magic it holds, especially for our littlest residents! It was adorable! I was so thrilled to be a part of it. And it was fun to play partner to such a fabulous and engaging Santa. He was just terrific.”
“The Friends did a wonderful job with this year’s Tree Lighting & Holiday Market,” Library Director Lynn Zaffino said. “They reached out to new vendors, and expanded the event with raffles, a kids’ book sale, and kids’ activities. The turnout was the best I’ve ever seen, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves while getting into the holiday spirit. I am so grateful to this wonderful group of volunteers!”
Indeed, the Friends’ volunteers outdid themselves: getting the word out with signage and social media posts, arranging raffle items, helping the vendors set up, purchasing hot chocolate and cookies, staffing the tables, working the register, keeping Santa and Ms. Claus ready to receive all their young friends.
With these kinds of events, it truly does take a village — or in our case, a town. And what a great one it is.
We’ll let the pictures tell the rest of the story.
As always, if you’re interested in joining our friends’ volunteer group – we’re planning more for 2022! – please contact friends@eastonlibrary.org, or go to our website, www.eastonlibraryfriends.org. The more the merrier. We’d love your ideas of building community across generations while supporting the library with additional funds as we can.
