The chorus from Wolftrap Elementary school kicked off the annual Church Street Holiday Stroll on Nov. 30. The stroll is always held the Monday after Thanksgiving. Photo by Donna Manz.
A cold drizzle may have dampened the attendance numbers at the annual Church Street Holiday Stroll but it did not dampen the spirits of the guests and strollers who braved the weather conditions on Nov. 30. Turnout was strong despite the rain.
Santa, as is his tradition, arrived at Freeman House via an antique fire truck, its sirens blaring as it turned down Church Street. Santa and Mayor Laurie DiRocco partnered to light the holiday tree at the corner of Mill and Church streets. Musicians performed on-stage from 6 to 9 p.m. and local choruses from schools and communities sang as they strolled down Church Street. Merchants along Church Street stayed open late, many offering discounts for “Stroll” shoppers.
Santa listened to kids’ wish lists until the last child left. Although the rain kept away the petting zoo, it did not snuff out open fire pits for marshmallow-toasting. Vienna Presbyterian Church hosted an elf-dinner and craft activities for children. Freeman House was decorated by the Ayr Hill Garden Club and the ornaments on Santa’s tree were handcrafted by the club’s members.
The Church Street Holiday Stroll is sponsored by Historic Vienna, Inc., Church Street merchants and the Town of Vienna.