One shopkeeper says she senses more enthusiasm and gaiety among shoppers, and a local innkeeper appreciates the way people don’t seem to be rushing through the holidays.
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.
The traditional lighting of the Edgartown Lighthouse took place Friday evening on a windless, starry night. Christmas in Edgartown is absent the throngs of people this year, but downtown shops are open and the seaside town is decked out for the holiday.
This year the emphasis for Christmas in Edgartown is still on good cheer but with a healthy does of safety, too.
The first floor of the Edgartown town hall is finally set to reopen by appointment only on Wednesday, Sept. 9.
