LYNNFIELD — After months of hoping and planning, the Recreation Department has announced it will conduct a Light Up Lynnfield parade and holiday home-decorating contest this year after all. The department has also released a new slate of virtual programs available to residents and non-residents alike to help brighten the holidays in spite of the pandemic.
The third annual event will take place Friday, Dec. 4 and Saturday, Dec. 5.
Last year, residents had the opportunity to view contest entries and other decorated homes up close and personal riding on Salem Trolley tour buses. People signed up in droves, with nearly 1,000 of them paying a $5 nominal fee to tour the town’s holiday sights in comfort and style.
Due to the pandemic, this year’s event will be different.
“Unfortunately, we will not be having the trolleys this year, but we will be planning a car caravan to keep within the COVID guidelines,” Recreation Commission Director Julie Mallett said.
“It’s unfortunate because half the fun of the trolley was the narration and dialogue, but I understand it has to be this way,” said Select Board member Phil Crawford. “The caravan is definitely the next best thing.”
“In Lynnfield, the holidays are a magical time, but it will take more than sugar plums to get past this year’s anxieties,” said Rec Chairman Rich Sjoberg. “We have incredible plans for the Town Common to shine and are working on a virtual sing-a-long program to spread kindness and cheer.
“We think this year will be the best and brightest ever, 2020’s celebrations may look different this year, but the spirit of the holidays will not be diminished.”
Earlier this month, the discovery of at least one youth player who tested positive for COVID-19 forced a shutdown of the department’s youth and adult sports leagues and programs. But Rec bounced back and has introduced a new slate of holiday-themed virtual programs.
Advance registration is required. There will be no refunds, however, participants may transfer their class tickets to someone else if unavailable to attend.
Thanksgiving Blooms will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 25 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Supplies to create a special Thanksgiving centerpiece will be delivered to your door the day before. The registration deadline is Nov. 7.
Holiday Blooms will be held on Saturday, Dec. 19 from 7-8:30 p.m. All supplies to create a beautiful Christmas centerpiece will be delivered the day before to your door. The registration deadline is Dec. 4.
The cost of both centerpieces programs is $80 for residents and non-residents.
If floral decorating isn’t your thing and you are hoping to improve your culinary skills — and perhaps introduce a new pasta dish to your family sure to become a part of your annual holiday table — Virtual Pasta Class with Chef Joe Gatto is just the ticket. Author and host of the TV show, Joe Gatto’s From Scratch, participants will learn how to make their own homemade pasta. Participants will receive a shopping list that includes the items they need to make fettuccine, ravioli and tortellini, a delicious pistachio basil pesto sauce and a ricotta spinach filling to finish the dish. Participants are advised that a pasta roller is necessary. A Question and Answer session will also be held.
There are two classes, one for adults and one for kids. The cost for each class is $45 per resident and $50 for non-residents with registration closing two days before each event.
The adult class will be Thursday, Nov. 19 from 7-8:30 p.m. The kids’ class will be Thursday, Dec. 17 from 7-8:30 p.m. For further information or to register, visit Rec’s website, https://lynnfieldma.myrec.com/.
“After the success of the summer programming, Julie has been working diligently on a host of virtual offerings this fall,” Sjoberg said. “We are excited for our new virtual Cooking with Joe Gatto, as well as Thanksgiving and Holiday Flower Blooms.”
Anne Marie Tobin can be reached at [email protected].
