PEABODY — Despite the prospect of colder temperatures ahead, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors and gear up for the holidays, thanks to some exciting seasonal programs offered by the Peabody Recreation Department.
On Wednesday, the city will celebrate Veterans Day with a fun-filled day at Brooksby Farm from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The event is for children ages 7-12 and will feature games, fire pits, and, of course, s’mores for all. Participants are advised to dress warmly and bring a lunch, snacks and refillable water bottle. The cost of the event is $50 per person.
Herbalist Rebecca Ingalls is back for the “Herbs for the Holidays” program, which will be held at Tillie’s Farm, 189 Lynn St., on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 1-3 p.m. The event is designed for ages 12 and up and costs $20 per person. Participants will have the opportunity to design and create their own wreaths, potpourri and mulling spices.
Peabody Rec, in concert with Danvers Recreation, is offering the “Easy as Apple Pie” workshop on Wednesday, Nov. 25, from 11 a.m.-12 p.m., just in time for Thanksgiving. The cost of the event, which will be held in the large greenhouse at Tillie’s Farm, is $25 per person and is limited to two members per family. Participants will have the opportunity to create a custom-made pie using Brooksby Farm home-grown apples while sipping Brooksby’s fresh-pressed apple cider.
The popular “Ooey Gluey Crafts” program for children from kindergarten through grade 5 is offering new sessions starting Dec. 3. Kids can tap into their inner creativity working on an assortment of craft projects, which they will then take home to share with friends and family.
Sessions will be held at multiple locations. Tillie’s Farm sessions will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15-4:15 a.m. in the greenhouse. The Tuesday program runs from Dec. 8 through Feb. 2, while the Thursday program runs from Dec. 3 through Feb. 11. Brown School students will be met after school by an instructor and walked across Lynn Street to the farm.
Monday and Wednesday programs will be held in the clubhouse at The Meadow at Peabody golf course, 80 Granite St. The Monday program runs from Dec. 14 through Feb. 1, while the Wednesday program runs from Dec. 16 through Feb. 11. Participants should bring water, a nut-free snack and a firm surface, such as a book, to write on.
The department is also offering several Christmas-themed programs. The department is teaming up with Peabody Main Streets once again for the wildly popular “Light the Night” holiday decorating contest. Residents can pay $10 to enter their homes and businesses in the contest. Decorations must be completed by Tuesday, Dec.15. Photos will be taken by the Rec department and shared on social media. Participants’ addresses will also be posted on Google Maps to encourage residents to drive by and vote for their favorites. From Dec. 18-23, viewers may cast their ballots by liking the photos on Peabody Rec’s Facebook page and Instagram (peabody_recreation) page. Votes will be tallied by the number of likes.
“Santa Calling” will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 9 from 5:30-8 p.m. This event promises a special, personalized telephone call from Santa Claus to children ages 3-10. The event is free, but space is limited to 65. Due to the enormous popularity of this event, early registration is advised.
The department is offering the following: Gingerbread House workshops for children in grades K-5 in December: “Building Dreams,” Dec. 8; “Holiday Happiness,” Dec. 10; “Taste the Magic,” Dec. 15, and “Sugar Rush,” Dec. 17. All classes will be held from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the clubhouse at The Meadow golf course. The cost is $15 per child.
Face masks and COVID-19 pre-screening are mandatory. For a complete list of safety protocols, for questions or more information, or to register for any program, visit the Rec department website, https://peabodyma.myrec.com/ or call 978-536-7130.
Anne Marie Tobin can be reached at [email protected].
