On Saturday, Nov. 19, community members toured six congregations in Peterborough for the 28th annual Holiday Stroll.
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., participants indulged in seasonal baked goods, shopped local vendors for holiday gifts and created works of art at various craft stations. Even Santa made an appearance at the Peterborough Unitarian Universalist Church to paint a self-portrait.
Since 1993, local churches have put on the annual stroll to celebrate the holiday season and to give back to local charities in the region, including Hundred Nights in Keene and Shelter from the Storm in Jaffrey. However, the event was put on hold in 2020 due to the impact of COVID-19. Despite lower attendance rates, the Rev. Bob Marrone from the Union Congregational Church said the annual event is making a comeback.
“It’s a wonderful and fun time,” said Marrone. “It’s a way for the community to get together.”
According to Peterborough Unitarian Universalist Church member Jill Hammond, volunteers have been preparing all fall to bring the Holiday Stroll back to its original glory. She said this year’s event is all about teamwork and giving back to the community.
“The camaraderie of men and women who volunteer, it’s just really great,” said Hammond.
This year’s event also served as a platform for local vendors to showcase their new products and artwork. Susan Stanbury, alongside daughter Jen Cody, set up their photography business Susan Trefethon Images for the first time ever at the Unitarian Universalist Church. To Cody, this year’s event was an opportunity to show her mom how proud she is of her, and her artwork.
“I’ve always admired my mom’s photography and wanted to help her showcase it,” said Cody.