Rain doesn't dampen holiday spirit

Norwood Recreation Department Director Sam White said they tried to work with the weather forecast to keep everyone as dry as possible, but Mother Nature didn’t want to cooperate.

“We’ve been dodging the rain drops all day; we had to move it up a little bit just because we saw the rain was supposed to be coming a little later. Ultimately it all worked out,” he said. “Everyone showed up, we’re happy with the turnout and happy for another year of the Extravaganza.”

The Neponset Valley Sunrise Rotary Club – https://neponsetvalleysunriserotary.org – provided the s’mores this year, which went pretty fast.

“I have not had one yet and I want to get over there before they’re all gone!” said White. “I see a couple of sticks left, so I’ll grab one soon.”

Residents came out to enjoy face painting, sketch artists, a horse-drawn hay ride through Town, the kids run Reindeer Dash, a performance from the Norwood High School Madrigals, a performance from the Norwood Band Gig, a performance from the Kinetic School of Dance, a bake sale, and of course, the Santa Parade with the Norwood High School Marching Band.

Organizer Lou Harris said he was very happy with the day’s outcome.

“All in all, it went pretty well,” he said. “We moved things up in time so people didn’t get too wet, the hard stuff Rain) has held off. We had plenty of s’mores, good hay rides and Santa and Mrs. Claus made it on time, so we’re doing great.”

Parade goers may have noticed this year’s sleigh to be a new addition to the parade, and Mrs. Claus said this is because the Norwood Department of Public Works managed to build it and, presumably, ship it up to the North Pole for she and her husband to use.

Residents Rachel Thornton and her sons Liam and James said they come to the event every year.

“It was awesome,” Liam said.

“With the weather, it’s a good turnout,” said Rachel. “We first came out when they were really little and they were excited to see Santa and the tree. Norwood always does a really great job, so we’re excited to see it all lit up every year. I’m glad they do it for the Town because it’s just great for the kids.”

Resident Joe Hall said he and his daughter stayed the whole afternoon.

“It’s just very good of the Town and I appreciate everyone helping out despite the weather,” Hall said. “We’ve been having fun all day; we took a little break at the bagel store, but we’ve been here since 1 p.m. for the race.”

Residents Barb Seger and Mary Compagnone said they came out to see the Clauses and connect with the community.

“This is the greatest thing Norwood does,” said Seger.

“Well, one of the greatest things, what about the Circle of Hope?” said Compagnone.

“Next to the Circle of Hope,” Seger said. “It’s one of the nice things here.”

“It’s one of the reasons we live here though, it’s just great,” Compagnone said.

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“It builds community,” said Seger. “We just came here from the library. I mean last year we were at the library and didn’t know this was happening and the energy was so palpable.”

Compagnone said they weren’t really concerned with the weather.

“I’m a gardener so the rain doesn’t bother me at all,” she said.

Residents who gave their names as “Frank Zappa” and “Blondie” said they came out because they wanted something to do.

“We came last year,” said Blondie. “I’m surprised there aren’t more people, but there is still a lot.”

“With the rain, there are a lot of people here,” said Zappa.

Blondie was carrying some of the s’more sticks from the Rotary tent but hadn’t had any at this point.

“We just took these for home arts and crafts,” she said with a laugh. “Waste not want not!”