DANBURY—Festive merriment warmed the hearts of those willing to brave icy temperatures and blustery winds at the first annual Christmas Outdoor Festival at St. Joseph School.
“Every year we have Breakfast with Santa inside,” said Megan Cerullo, president of the St. Joseph School Parent Teacher Organization. “This year we had to figure out how to continue that Christmas Spirit during these challenging times,” she said.
Reminiscent of a Hallmark Christmas, the parking lot outside of the entrance to the school was transformed with evergreen garland strung on a wooden picket fence with care and accented with red-ribbon adorned Christmas wreaths. Live Christmas trees and dozens of red and white poinsettias were available for purchase to trim homes with Christmas cheer.
About two dozen vendors from the community offered items including Christmas ornaments, clothing, homemade soaps, jewelry and other treasures.
“We love to support the school,” said Carmen Alfaro, co-founder of Moda Kalon, alpaca clothing and accessories.
“It’s important for the community to learn a little about the alpaca and the artisans who make the items,” said Alfaro, who was wearing a stylishly warm alpaca headband. The co-founder of the business was also eager to participate in the festival since his grandchildren attend the school.
Amid the brisk winds, the laughter of children running about could be heard above familiar festive Christmas carols played in the background.
“There’s just always a lot of cheer and joy here,” said 11-year-old Eva Bauco, who was there with her family and shopping for treasures with her friend Alexa Hope. “It’s a good way to be with other people even though it’s freezing.”
To combat the cold, patrons could purchase a soothing-warm-marshmallow-laden cup of hot chocolate provided by Chef Adam Moss, who also offered a mouth-watering menu that included chili, sausage and peppers and soft pretzels.
Tamires DaSilva, who started her business, Everything Platters, this year took the opportunity to not only showcase festive gift ideas but to also introduce herself to the community through her business.
“I wanted people to see what we do,” she said over a display of beautifully wrapped charcuterie boards. “I’m happy to participate in a community event.”
A wreath raffle, a long-standing tradition at St. Joseph School, involved each grade in the school creating a themed wreath for the raffle. Tickets were purchased and deposited into a bag of the ticket purchaser’s choice.
Volunteer Mary Guinness was overseeing the process.
“I wanted to come back to help,” she said, adding that her children graduated from St. Joseph School several years ago but the school is like family to her and it was nice to see familiar faces, albeit mostly hidden behind masks, hats and scarves.
The festival also hosted a visit with Santa at the school through advance reservations and the implementation of safety and social distancing protocols.
Photographs were taken by local photographers who donated their time. The photo-fundraiser raised about $800 for the school.
