LYNNFIELD — If you had to sum up the theme of this year’s Country Store in two words, they would be “family” and “fabulous.”
Families, young and old, from all over came out in force Saturday to take part in one of Lynnfield’s favorite traditions.
“Today reminded me of the old days when people would be lined up outside the doors of the Meeting House,” said Country Store Subcommittee Chair Karen Nascembeni. “There were so many new faces with people coming from all over, so it was just amazing ― just like I remember from the old days.”
Nascembeni’s husband, Steve Richard, and his parents, Edie Pope Richard and Earl Richard, were store fixtures their entire lives, always making sure that all details were meticulously attended to. Steve and Earl were also among Lynnfield’s first residents to die from COVID-19.
Don Martin and Doreen DiFillippo (Steve’s sister) manned the homemade ham-and-bean supper table.
“I love that in this age of COVID people can still come together,” said Martin, whose mother, Barbara Pope Martin, was Edie Pope’s sister. “I lived in Luxembourg for many years before moving here this year and Christmas is a big tradition over there. This is my first time coming and it’s been great to finally be a part of it.”
DiFillipo said the event was bittersweet.
“I’ve helped since I was a little kid and every week this year my parents were always here,” DiFillippo said. “This meant a lot to them and Steve so it’s special to be able to have this after missing it last year.”
John Nunziato and John Michalski were back in their familiar roles as cheesemongers.
“It’s really nice to see the community come together after a long, long hiatus,” said Nunziato. “Honestly I had no idea that the turnout would be so incredible, much larger than the last one before COVID.”
Nunziato said much of the credit belongs to Nascembeni for “bringing back the same flavor and adding several great new elements.
“She wanted to do something Steve would be proud of, and she did that and so much more. Steve would be so proud of what she has accomplished.”
One new twist added by Nascembeni was a performance by Voices of Hope, an all-volunteer singing group, who sang holiday carols.
Executive Artistic Director Dana Siegal said she was delighted Nascembeni asked the group to perform.
“We use volunteer artists to raise money to fund targeted therapies for all cancers at the Temeer Center at Mass General,” she said. “Steven and Karen have been unbelievably dear friends for years so we were happy to come.”
Another new twist was the addition of the popular popcorn treat Poppycock, a new version of an old Richard holiday tradition.
“My mother would put stockings with Cracker Jack on our beds on Christmas morning,” said DiFillippo. “It wasn’t until I had kids of my own that I realized how smart she was as it kept us in bed a little longer. But when Steve told Karen about the tradition, she said, ‘oh no, not without an upgrade to Poppycock.”
Also new this year were the Friends of the Library book sale and Lynnfield for Love tables.
“We’re so excited to be here and business has been fantastic,” said Friends Co-President Stacy Meals.
“People came really early and there have been lots and lots of families, so all is very good,” said Friends volunteer Mary Beth Janakas.
Business at the Village Home and Garden Club of Lynnfield table was also brisk.
“It’s been incredible,” said Susan Canty. “There is such a small-town feeling today.”
Three generations of the Weaver family — mom Denise, her daughter Kathryn Leinn, 2-year-old granddaughter Avery (both of Seattle) and daughter Abbie Weaver also enjoyed the festivities.
“We come every year and it’s just a wonderful event that brings the entire community together,” said Denise.
Nascembeni said the revival of the Country Store wasn’t easy. She enlisted the services of a “village” of volunteers, starting with her committee ― Vice Chair Karen Hathaway, Historical Commission Chair Kirk Mansfield and Michalski.
“They and so many others have been working so hard to make everything just right, to make this building pretty,” Nascembeni said.
“When you think about this building and what’s gone on for 300 years inside these walls, it’s overwhelming. This building has such stories to tell. I’m just glad to be a part of it in this next chapter, beginning with this incredible event. It’s truly a nod to simpler times.”
