Holiday reverie hits Belfast

BELFAST — As the sun slipped away on Friday afternoon, they began to gather. Groups of younger folks were first, excitedly playing in Post Office Square. As a starlit Belfast night dropped its veil, the Square began to fill up. Throngs of young people were joined by families, and groups spilling out of local restaurants – all descending on the Square.

 

 

 

Our Town Belfast, a local business organization, began serving hot cocoa and sugar cookies. The Belfast Area High School chorus sang carols on the post office steps. Belfast Mayor Eric Sanders grabbed a microphone and whipped the group into a holiday reverie.

The gathering multitude shared an electric anticipation, and one other thing.

They believe.

Their collective faith was rewarded at the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony Dec. 2. Sometime around 5:30 p.m., Santa parked his sleigh at the Belfast Fire Department and hitched a ride on a fire engine to Post Office Square.

He arrived to an exuberant mass that filled the square and spilled out in every direction. He was accompanied by Mrs. Claus, who immediately set to the task of doling out candy canes.

St. Nicholas slowly worked his way through a sea of children, greeting all with handshakes, hugs and the occasional naught/nice question.

Santa interrupted his visit, briefly, to make his way over to the holiday tree perched at the edge of the Square. The crowd sensed the moment and counted down. At the appointed moment, Santa winked at the crowd, flipped a switch, and the Christmas tree sprang to life, showering the masses with color and holiday spirit.

As Santa returned to visiting with children, hundreds wandered the streets and filled local establishments as the reverie continued well into this magical night in Belfast.