On Friday, November 30th, Riverside held its 38th annual Holiday Stroll between 5:30 and 9 p.m.. The community gathered at the water tower at 5:45 to see the arrival of Santa Claus and the watch him flip the master switch to turn on all the lights on the Christmas trees. After he performed the Tree Lighting Ceremony, he went back to the Riverside Bank so children would have the opportunity to take pictures with him.
After Santa departed, families began to walk around downtown Riverside, enjoying all the activities that were offered. Children visited the First American Bank to get their faces painted by Girl Scout Troop 4590 and enjoyed music by The Hand Bell Choir.
“It’s a tradition for me to take my little sister Bella to the Tree Lighting Ceremony and then to get her face painted,” said Senior Victoria Gonzalez.
Family and friends were able to enjoy free treats, including hot chocolate, cookies, candy canes and more, at various different locations around Riverside such as Grumpy’s, Riverside Parks & Recreation, and Angelo’s Barber Shop. There were a wide range of activities to do such as watching wood-carving at Jeff’s Auto, balloon animals at Riverside Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling, juggling and magic acts at Burlington Reality, pony rides at the Riverside Garage, and free trolley rides around Riverside.
“One of my favorite parts about the walk is taking the trolley around Riverside with all of my friends,” said Senior Stephany Lambruschini.
Every year, the holiday stroll offers family fun for all, and continues to be a holiday tradition.
