In the Oct. 10 issue of the Bristol Phoenix, on page 4, there is an article with respect to the upcoming Christmas Festival. The opening sentence states: “Since its inception in 2021, the Bristol Christmas Festival has quickly become a popular tradition.”

As a founding member, along with Dottie Cordeiro and a handful of others – which I will address in a bit – this tradition began in 1987, not in 2021, and has been a popular tradition for 37 times. In the early years, once the Grand Illumination (ably done by two schoolchildren, which has unfortunately passed) and brief program finished at the Burnside Building, about 300 to 400 people paraded-walked-strolled to the Colt Memorial School, where a very meaningful two-hour program occurred, starting with a robust 20-minute Christmas song sing-a-long accompanied by a pianist.

There was very safe passage along Route 114 and no difficulty in working with the state on reworking the route.

Continuing, in the Phoenix of Nov. 21, on page 12, in an article titled “Christmas Festival - Spirit of Christmas,” in the first paragraph, fourth sentence, it was reported: “she (Dottie) and Halsey Herreshoff founded the Bristol Christmas Festival in 1987.” The only reason Halsey has a connection is by accident/coincidence — that is, he happened to be the administrator when Dottie, myself and a few others presented the concept to Halsey. A real no-brainer.

Before I forget, congratulations to this year’s winner of the “Spirit” award – the members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 237. As always, the Spirit selection committee nailed it.

Wrapping up Christmas thoughts, for now, perhaps Mike Reilly could approach owners at Unity Park and after Christmas have the Christmas house stored somewhere on their vast property, thus keeping the red roof in Bristol and keeping the elves busy and employed year round and nearby.

Owen E. Trainor III
Bristol