Old Greenwich lights up the holiday season
Old Greenwich businesses and restaurants offered free treats to local residents and families who participated in the First Light festival, Saturday December 7. Photo courtesy of Mrs. Leissa Jackmauh.
Despite heavy rains and low temperatures, Old Greenwich residents, including some Convent of the Sacred Heart families, gathered to celebrate the annual First Light festival December 6.
From 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Saturday night, attendees enjoyed festive activities, including visiting Santa and sharing hot cocoa with members of the community. The town closed off Sound Beach Avenue to motor vehicle traffic in preparation for large crowds of pedestrians.
The Old Greenwich Merchants Association (OGMA) sponsored the annual event. According to ogmerchants.com, the OGMA is a collective group of Old Greenwich shops and retailers that work together to promote a unique community.
Many OGMA stores refashioned their usual displays with holiday decor and opened their doors to families and guests alike. The businesses also offered special holiday freebees. For example, Sweet Pea’s Baking Company gave away mini Christmas cupcakes, the Beach House café served butternut squash soup and hot apple cider, and Upper Crust Bagel Company gave out red and green mini bagels after hosting a dance party from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Even town-favorite Garden Catering gifted bystanders with free chicken nuggets.
“First Light is the best because everyone who lives in Old Greenwich comes out with holiday spirit and most of the stores give out free food,” Old Greenwich resident and senior Stephanie Browne said. “The best part of first light is the horse and buggy and hay rides. I went when I was little, and it’s such a great way to bring the community together.”
Attendees also enjoyed horse-drawn carriage rides, and the covered carriage was a source of warmth and a break from the rain. The horses led groups of families down Sound Beach Avenue, until they could hear the Sound Beach Community Band playing a medley of carols from inside the Sound Beach Volunteer Fire Department.
While the event caters to younger audiences, many older students, including junior Lydia Currie, found the night equally entertaining.
“First Light is a great community event that is fun for both kids and adults,” Lydia said. “[The] whole night is really special.”
Later this month, Old Greenwich will continue to celebrate holiday festivities when the First Congregational Church of Greenwich holds a live nativity starting December 21. The church is also hosting a Christmas tree sale, which ends when the nativity begins, according to fccog.org.
The First Light Festival began the Old Greenwich holiday season with spirit, and community members seek to continue jingling all the way into the new year.
– Sarah Jackmauh, Co-Content Editor
