Starting at 10 a.m., an hour before the parade, the downtown streets were the most crowded they have been since the summer rush, with people eagerly awaiting the dozen or so floats that highlight the weekend of events.
The holiday spirit was in the air Saturday during the annual Christmas in Edgartown celebrations.
Starting at 10 a.m., an hour before the parade, the downtown streets were the most crowded they have been since the summer rush, with people eagerly awaiting the dozen or so floats that highlight the weekend of events.
The Yeti Squad poses with paradegoers.
The Yeti Squad poses with paradegoers.
Siblings Blake and Hailey Bettencourt were the first ones to claim their spot along Main street for the perfect view, sitting on a Spider-Man blanket by the curb.
“I’m excited for the candy,” Blake said about the parade.
Hailey, who was wearing a bear onesie with a leotard underneath from attending a dance rehearsal earlier in the morning, was excited for Santa’s appearance at the end of the parade, and had already asked for a unicorn for Christmas.
Mom Danielle Bettencourt enjoyed having a lively event during the colder months.
“I think in the winter, it’s a nice weekend and it brings your spirits up when it could be dull and quiet,” she said.
The Boys and Girls Club float was themed after Despicable Me.
The Boys and Girls Club float was themed after Despicable Me.
The parade had floats with bubbles blown into the air and Christmas music blaring out of trucks. The Martha’s Vineyard Boys and Girls Club’s float was Despicable Me-themed this year. Alpacas from Island Alpaca were a hit, as they were dressed in festive scarves.
The Yeti Squad came back for their ninth year dressed up in costumes and spreading joy. While there are usually four couples who travel from Connecticut to the Island every year for this day, only one couple, Rick and Mary Dombrowski could make it. Last year, they dressed as snowflakes and snowmen. This year, they were dressed up as elves.
“I like to say we’re a bunch of five-year-olds in older bodies,” Mr. Dombrowski said. “It started small with just Santa hats and some bells. Every year we’ve stepped the game up.”
Handing candy out to smiling kids is Ms. Dombrowski’s favorite part.
“The children are just priceless,” she said, green glitter on her face.
At the Edgartown Village Market on the village green, vendors such as MV Sea Salt, Kismet Outfitters, MV Herbal Apothecary and Fire Cat Farm were preparing for the rush of people that would flood in after the parade’s conclusion.
Even the Grinch got in on the festivities.
Even the Grinch got in on the festivities.
Pocket Dogs, known for their hot dog pop-ups at The Ritz in Oak Bluffs, was in a celebratory mood, coining the day “Glizzmas” after the slang term for frankfurters. Co-owner Brae Eddleston was all smiles as her husband, Ricky, was preparing the hot dogs on the grill. Right after the parade, the once empty food tent was filled with people, many of whom wanted to grab a hot dog.
“We’re very excited to bring a little bit of Oak Bluffs into Edgartown,” Ms. Eddleston said. “It’s a great community event, highlighting all local vendors and businesses. It’s one of the most fun events of the year, summer included.”
Year-round Island resident Esther Racigh was helping out in front of the St. Elizabeth’s Church, which was offering free homemade cookies and hot chocolate. She has been going to the celebrations for more than two decades.
“I love all the decorations and people dressed up in Christmas attire,” she said.
Ms. Racigh always looks forward to Christmas in Edgartown and seeing everyone gathered together.
“It makes for something fun and exciting on Martha’s Vineyard that’s wholesome and family-oriented,” she said. “It’s nice to see Christmas so loved. It’s all about love.”
Comments
This gets better every year
Bob EdgartownThis gets better every year and if you missed this year plan your trip now for next year.
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