'Tis the Season Holiday Stroll, Saturday, Saturday, December 7, 2013 - Downtown Wakefield

The 5th Annual Stroll event is fast approaching. The Event Planning Committee (EPC) has a great lineup of entertainment, events, children's activities and new this year are horse-drawn carriage rides. Map out your strategy so you won't miss a beat.

Americal Civic Center - Before the 3 p.m. Holiday Hat Parade, stop by the Americal Civic Center on Main Street beginning at 1 p.m. Pick up your free Holiday Stroll bag, and then enjoy the activities taking place in the Drill Hall. We have Razzle, child acoustics, life-size Disney characters for a great photo-op, local keyboard Ricky McNamara and light refreshments.

Local non-profit organizations will be set up in the Heritage Room. Visit the Interfaith Food Pantry to make a food or monetary donation. Friends of the Beebe Library will be selling merchandise as well. While you're at the Civic Center, drop downstairs and visit the Festival of Trees, sponsored by the newly established Boys & Girls Club of Wakefield.

At 3 p.m., the Holiday Hat Parade, led by the Wakefield High School Marching Band, will march down Main Street ending at the Beebe Library. Senator Katherine Clark, State Representatives Paul Brodeur and Donald Wong, Town Officials, Disney characters, Santa, local schools, and local dance teams will all be marching in the parade. All are invited to march, so make a festive hat, dress up and join in on the fun.

Entertainment - The event will be packed with entertainment. We have Betty's Bounce, Carissa Scudieri, Dickens Carolers, Hot Sauce PBS, Kevin Moore, Lucky Bob, Sweet Trebble, WHS Carolers, Trinity Choir, Twisted Magic, Valerie Giglio, Wade Parsons, Wakefield Music students, WHS Drum Line, Magic Mike (balloon artist) and Paint the Moon (face painter). Local dance studios Catch the Funk, Dance Studio of Wakefield, Dance Track Dance Studio and Movement Dance Studio will be performing during the event. Go to our EPC website or our Facebook Event Planning Committee page to view the schedule of events, performances, and locations.

Special Events - Take a horse-drawn carriage ride up and down Main Street ($5 ride, children under 12 free when accompanied by an adult). View the magical Ice Sculptures, created by Wade Parsons which will be located at Christopher Barrett Realtors, East Boston Savings Bank, Northshore Numismatic, and the Wakefield Co-operative Bank.

Treats - Ever Popular Candy Stop, a place to charge up on sugar, will be located on Main Street. Chris Callanan from North Shore Pool Supply will once again set up Kris' Kernels popcorn stand, offering free bags of popcorn and can be located on Albion Street.

Sponsors - Without our 65+ supportive sponsors, this event would not be taking place. A complete list of our sponsors can be found on our EPC website. Remember SHOP LOCAL this holiday season and support our local merchants.

Looking forward to seeing everyone there.