Downtown Edgartown was packed Saturday with Islanders, visitors and their pet companions dolled up in holiday garb for the 42nd annual Christmas in Edgartown festival.
Evergreens adorned with twinkling lights, fragrant pine wreaths and festive shop window displays on Edgartown’s Main street are a sure sign of only one thing: Christmas in Edgartown has arrived.
On Edgartown's North Water street, the Mad Martha's ice cream parlor is usually dormant in December when brisk winter weather dissuades Islanders from a frozen treat.
A walk down Main street in Edgartown this week revealed a holiday transformation in full swing. Next to town hall, the traditional lobster pot Christmas tree reveals a yellow and blue hue.
The Edgartown select board members approved a Santa-sized list of permits at their meeting on Monday, preparing for the Christmas in Edgartown weekend scheduled for Dec. 8 to Dec. 11.
An Edgartown police car led the way. A young boy in a Santa hat rode in the passenger seat, yelling out a hearty “Merry Christmas!” to the crowd over the cruiser’s PA system. Children and parents alike echoed the refrain.
The event began 40 years ago as an antidote for a town with a dearth of holiday cheer. Since then the town has shaken its holiday enthusiasm deficiency. For four days this weekend the town will be a magnet once again for all things Christmas.
People visiting the village of Edgartown this weekend may feel as if they’ve stepped through a magic portal into a world of Christmas past that is one part Charles Dickens novel and one part Frank Capra movie.
With the return of Christmas in Edgartown, a longtime tradition that had largely faded until recently, there will be children jingle-belling, marshmallows for toasting and much mistletoe-ing.
So be of good cheer — because as organizers of the holiday extravaganza will tell you, this truly is the most wonderful time of the year.
Evergreens adorned with twinkling lights, fragrant pine wreaths and festive shop window displays on Edgartown’s Main street are a sure sign of only one thing: Christmas in Edgartown has arrived.