The season started with a group of volunteers who each “adopted” a building in Higganum Center, decorated it with festive Christmas lights, and made sure that the lights stayed lit for the entire Christmas season. The Grinch found his way to the Rossi property thanks to the Kocsis family and snowmen gathered around the fireplace at the Feed Store to stay warm thanks to the Malones. Across the street the windows came to life with holiday scenes done by the Higganum United Methodist Church, Higganum Congregational Church and Stasia DeMichele. Pat Hartman was the little elf who magically decorated the Higganum Village Market, filling the flower boxes with greens and hanging lights around the windows and from the roof. And did you notice the windows at the market? The Cub Scouts decorated them. The Haddam Garden Club decorated the gazebo and Bill Organek and Emily Carrow hung garlands, lights and bows on the bridge. Over at the Community Center the LoGiudice family hung lights and a wreath and the Romans lit the trees around Citizens Bank. Higganum Physical Therapy was decorated by the Fernandez family and the plaza across the street was lit for the first time thanks to the merchants who purchased the lights and Jack’s Country Restaurant who generously supplied the power. Chip from C & M Electric donated the time and materials that made it possible to light the building. Mike Fortuna and Dan Dachelet wrapped the street lights with garland, lights and bows for the 4th year. And thank you to the many merchants who decorated their buildings in order to make Higganum a winter wonderland for the entire month of December. They say “it takes a village” and they are right! The community came together and Higganum benefited.
On December 6th Higganum Vision Group held the 4th annual Christmas in the Country event at the Community Center with the help of Valley Bible Evangelical Church, the VFW Auxillary, Marek Construction and many volunteers. Over 200 people attended the event despite the rain. Little children had the opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap and to meet Mrs. Claus and one of Santa’s elves. Local vendors sold beautiful crafts and Christmas gifts and AJ’s Restaurant, Jack’s Country Restaurant, and Higganum Village Market donated cookies and cakes for everyone. While their parents shopped, children made holiday crafts and had their faces painted by some very talented students from HK.
Every year more and more members of the community step up to help make Higganum a festive holiday destination. HVG would like to thank the following merchants for their support: Keith Campbell, DMD, Jack’s Country Restaurant, AJ’s Restaurant, Higganum Village Market, Dino’s Restaurant, Middletown Carpet, Attorney William Bowles, HiWay Package Store, Romulco Properties, Teri’s Package Store, Red Barn Feed Store, Pat’s Cleaners, Higganum Pharmacy, Higganum Physical Therapy, Kenyon Labs, Brewed Awakenings, Liberty Bank, Citizen’s Bank. And thank you to the many volunteers. You stepped up to the plate and we did it together. See you again next year!