By Ken Cleveland
Landmark correspondent
HOLDEN — If all goes according to plan, Santa will be very busy at the beginning of December.
And that is just in Holden, where the Economic Development Commission, Parks and Recreation, and supporters of Holidays in Holden are getting things organized early this year.
Last year, bringing back the event, they started organizing in September. This year, it is June and 7 Saws Brewing Co. was recently filled with supporters, including businesses, many of whom signed on to support the event, slated for Dec. 1-3.
They have a fundraising target of $17,000 to fund the planned events, from the traditional tree lighting to activities for kids and adults.
“We work together,” Kathy Merk said of the combined effort.
Holidays in Holden had not been done in 15 years, the EDC chair said, when the effort last September brought it back. In a few months, they had the event set with a tree lighting and other activities.
Adding new things and working on recommendations from a survey, Recreation Director Angela Greene said that the goal was to “make Holden feel like a community,”
“This is amazing,” Cynthia Klocek of the EDC said. “I love Holden. The community is amazing.”
The supporters said many businesses want to join the effort, as evidenced by the businesses that showed up for the kickoff event, signing up as sponsors.
An advisory committee was created so that the committee could include business people who were not Holden residents, those who were drawn to the town and the effort.
“The goal is to have us be a Hallmark movie,” Sabrina Heiniluoma of Wachu Makin said. “Without you, this will not happen.”
One goal is to “keep the night going,” Klocek said, and not have it end when Santa leaves.
The three-day event is planned to include opportunities to write letters to Santa, a gingerbread contest, and a dance floor for those ready to dance into a winter wonderland.
A trolley makes it easy to travel between events, and this year a coach bus will add to the transportation options.
The goal of raising $17,000, Heiniluoma said, is to fund all the activities planned as well as the trolley and bus, DJ, and other events with costs.
Food trucks will expand the food offerings, but local restaurants will also showcase their food, with a friendly competition between restaurants.
A parade of presents, which was popular last year, they said, could be supplemented by a petting zoo.
A craft fair, outdoor games, firepits, tree lighting and dance party will keep the party going Dec. 1-3.
Business sponsorships range from signs on the trolley to major sponsors. Some of the sponsorship options are already taken, but businesses can contact Greene for more information at 508-829-0263.
