Norwich looks like Christmas, even if weather doesn't
Norwich – It certainly was “beginning to look a lot like Christmas” in downtown Friday, but it sure felt more like Easter.
The temperature held at 60 degrees with a slight warm breeze Friday evening for the 24th annual Light Up City Hall event that ushers in the Norwich Winter Festival.
“This is crazy weather!” one man shouted to no one in particular as he headed up Broadway toward City Hall Plaza, where puppeteer Donald Beebe, a perennial favorite, was performing.
There was a steady stream of revelers heading back and forth between the plaza performances and the Norwich Arts Center building at 60 Broadway. A few dozen people at a time stood in line waiting for the horse-drawn wagon from Rol Haven Farm of Groton to make its way through its downtown route and stop for a new load of passengers.
Those in line didn't miss out on the live entertainment, as Norwich Arts Center artist and performer Peter Leibert played Christmas tunes on his concertina and button accordion as they waited to hear the horse's jingle bells.
“All aboard!” 4-year-old Giuseppe Camacho of Groton shouted. This is his first year helping his family run the horse-carriage operation. Rol Haven Farm has provided the horse wagon rides at the Norwich event for the past 10 years, said Barbara Lewis of the farm.
One family figured out how to maximize their time at the 90-minute festival before Santa's arrival. Kelly Zhang brought daughters Tiffany, 8, and Phoebe, 2½, to the Clown City balloon shapers – Tiffany wanted a bird, while Phoebe asked for a fish – while their father, Joe Zhang, held their place in line at the horse wagon.
The warm weather didn't slow business at the railing outside the Norwich Human Services building. Rose City Knitters had hung about two dozen brightly colored scarves and neck warmers on the fence spikes.
“Handmade with Love by Rose City Knitters at Otis Library,” the tag said, inviting anyone who needed a bit of warmth to help themselves. By the time Santa arrived, few scarves remained on the railing.
c.bessette@theday.com
Twitter: @Bessettetheday
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