Whoever says that a chilly evening in December is not the best time of year to stroll up and down Warren Street in Hudson might just be mistaken. They might have never experienced the warming enchantment of the annual Winter Walk, a mile-long stretch of sparkling lights, music and holiday magic – but they will have the chance this weekend! (Or next, should wintry weather blow in and dump too much snow on the scene.) The entire street, from Front to Eighth, will be closed to traffic, making this a joyful pedestrian happening for the whole community.
The 18th annual event will kick off on Saturday at 5 p.m., so bundle up and join the festivities. Carillon bells of the First Presbyterian Church will mark the start of the grand Santa Parade that carries Mr. & Mrs. Claus (Robert and Beth MacGiffert, who have portrayed the beloved couple for 16 years) from the Hudson Opera House to City Hall, where they’ll listen to children’s wishes all evening. Meanwhile, decorated storefronts – best-seen after dark, it’s said – and outdoor vendors up and down Warren Street will be lit up with holiday glitz to thrill one and all.
Recently opened Caldwell Gallery at 355 Warren Street is planning a special fine art benefit drawing of a signed, dated linotype print of Hans Burkhardt, to support Winter Walk.
By Ann Hutton for Almanac Weekly