It was a grand kickoff to the 2021 holiday season as a sizable crowd gathered in front of the Burnside Building on Saturday, Dec. 4 for the 35th celebration of the Grand Illumination, a welcome change from last year’s sparsely-attended COVID-impacted rolling lighting (which was still fun, but not the same.)

Emcee Mary Lou Palumbo opened the evening calling for a round of applause for first responders and the medical community. She also credited Halsey Herreshoff and the late Dottie Cordeiro for their vision creating the first Christmas Festival 35 years ago.

Miss Fourth of July 1st runner-up Aditi Mehta and Little Miss 4th of July Eden Sweeney led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a performance of the Star-Spangled Banner by the Mt. Hope High School Vocal Ensemble — which beautifully hit all the high notes.

Town Administrator Steven Contente stepped up to the mic to say a few words. “It’s magical for the children and nostalgic for the adults — it brings us together.” He thanked Department of Public Works (noting that there are 28,000 lights on the town tree along) and also thanked the Police and Fire departments for all they do to keep Bristol safe all year, as well as Bristol Christmas Festival Committee and the Town Council. “Last thing I want to do is thank all of you for being out here,” he said. “God bless each and every one of you, and God bless the town of Bristol.”

Nathan Calouro spoke next, and introduced the members of the Council and state representative Susan Donavan and Senator Walter Felag. “There are so many things that Bristol does well,” he said. “This is a wonderful example of that.”

Co-Chair Patty Squatrito next introduced the Spirit of Christmas award winners for both 2020 and 2021, Paul Vollaro and Jennifer Mancieri, who accepted the award on behalf of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Bristol Fire Department as well as herself.

Soloist Victoria Carroll performed next, singing Winter Wonderland, The Christmas Song, and Santa Claus in Coming To Town, followed by an encore performance by the MHHS Vocal Ensemble singing That’s Christmas to Me, and Carol of the Bells.

Santa arrived in grand style, accompanied by Mrs. Claus and embedded with the MHHS Marching Band, playing Jingle Bells. They made their way to the stage where they were presented with a massive key to the city by Contente.

The countdown followed, and once again, the tree, snowflake, and downtown lit up the night in a display that will be enjoyed well into January.

The Christmas Festival fun continues this weekend, with a European style Christmas market on Saturday, Dec. 11 from at 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 12 from noon to 6 p.m. in front of the Burnside Building at 400 Hope St.

This free event will include live wood carving demonstration, Sarcastic Sweets and the Burgundian Waffle food trucks, and vendors outside lining Court Street and inside the St. Michael’s Parish Hall. Festive Specialty Huts offerings delicious goodies will be available for purchase. Photos with Santa Claus, wreath decorating, ice sculpting demonstrations, children’s holiday crafts, and warm mulled wine will also be available.