ESSEX, Conn — People in Essex kicked off the holiday season at the Connecticut River Museum’s Trees in the Rigging on Sunday.
The event featured a land parade filled with people singing Christmas songs and a parade with boats decorated for the holiday.
The land parade, organized by the Essex Historical Society, featured people playing instruments and singing Christmas carols, walking from the city’s town hall to the museum.
Cars were also decorated with Christmas lights, with people waving in the back of the vehicles.
Elizabeth Kaesar, the museum's executive director, said the event is an old tradition.
“It goes back to some people's childhoods at this point,” Kaesar said.
She said the event had a break due to COVID and last year was its first time back.
“It's really nice to see the crowds of people 4, 5, 6 feet deep back from the water, all up and down the river," Kaesar said.
There were different activities throughout the day for people of all ages to enjoy.
“We had kids crafts here in the boat house. We had a craft market outside. And then at three o'clock we had hot chocolate, which was delicious,” Kaesar said.
The day ended with a boat parade in the water.
“We had about 15 different boats that were dressed to the nines in lights and sparkles and the sound out in Essex Harbor,” Kaesar noted.
The boat parade included characters such as Snoopy, Buddy the Elf, the Abominable Snowman and Santa coming to town in style.
“We try to make sure that there's a wide variety, and that everyone is representing things that they love and make them happy,” Kaesar said.
The museum has their own boat as well.
“We had an eagle who was on the boat and was leading the crowd in some dance numbers as only an eagle can,” Kaesar added.
The boats were volunteer-led and Kaesar commended them for their hard work and dedication.
“We need people to keep their boats in the water longer than they might otherwise, and then be willing to decorate them in the cold and then drive them around in the harbor in the cold, and we are really just very lucky that there are so many people who are willing to do this,” Kaesar said.
Nicholas Ferrara and his brother Ryan were amazed by the boats and picked out some of their favorites. Ryan’s was the sailboat and Nicholas loved the tall boat.
It was the Ferrara’s family's first time attending this parade and Adelia Garcia said they decided to celebrate Ryan’s sixth birthday here.
“It was conveniently around the time of his birthday. And we love coming to Essex. We go to most of the events in town,” Caroline Ferrara said.
Garcia said the event makes it feel like Christmas is around the corner.
The process of having boats in the parade started last summer, according to Kaesar, and it is not too early to sign up to have a boat in next year’s parade.
She said they want to know by October, but late entries are accepted. One can email August Stromberger, the manager for public programs and education.
“So there’s lots of time to see it but it does feel really great to do it in December,” Kaesar said.
The museum has another event going on until Feb. 16, called the 31st Annual Train Show. The show is located on the third floor of the museum's changing exhibition space.
Kaesar said artist Steve Cryan put it together beginning in October of every year.
“There are about 30 feet of train. There are two different eye-spies that both kids and adults can work on depending on how much of an eagle-eyed person you think that you are. And it is a lot of fun, I highly recommend it. It’s much like everything else with Tree,” Kaesar said. “It's one of those things that brings people together and makes them feel like the holiday season is coming.”
Cayla Cade is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at ccade@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
RELATED:
---
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com.
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Stream Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.