SHELBURNE FALLS — After Thanksgiving, Moonlight Magic kicks off the winter holidays with a parade of lights and a street-party scene of musicians, food and gift-buying deals from the village’s eclectic shops and galleries.
Hosted by the Greater Shelburne Falls Area Business Association, the event runs Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., with the Iron Bridge and the commercial section of Bridge Street closed to car traffic.
At 5:15 p.m., shortly after the town officially lights up, the Parade of Lights will begin in Buckland across from Lamson & Goodnow. New this year is a parade float competition, with the best float to win a prize. The nonmotorized floats will be rated on theme, music, lights and artistry. Also, watch for Santa, the Grinch, the Cat in the Hat and other special characters.
Welcome Yule, a group of carolers, will be singing in the streets. Also, banjoist Tom Crean will be a roaming performer. The Salmon Falls Gallery will feature the band Slight Change, Mocha Maya’s has Cassidy and the Music, while Greenfield Savings Bank will host Ageless Waves of Rhythm, drummers from the Shelburne Senior Center.
On this night, several shops will hold special sales and serve refreshments. The upstairs Memorial Hall Theater will provide a warm-up spot where people can take children to watch free classic cartoons, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Another new feature is a “Moonlight Magic Passport,” that can be a ticket to bargains. Festival goers can go from shop to shop and get their passports “stamped.” Once a passport is stamped by eight or more businesses, they can be redeemed at McCusker’s Market for a free hot chocolate and a free sheet of coupons for store discounts on Dec. 10, which is a “Second Saturday” event. Also, redeemed passports will be entered into a gift basket raffle.
Among festival highlights are: the Arms Library book sale; Santa’s Workshop at the Shelburne-Buckland Senior Center on Main Street, pony rides and wandering musicians and luminaries — courtesy of Mole Hollow Candle Co. and Mohawk Trail High School students.
Greenfield Savings Bank will present Ageless Waves of Rhythm Drummers and the Rich Blessings Hand Bell Choir as well as the popular photo booth.
Molly Cantor Pottery will host a “Paint Your Own Ornament” party ($5 per ornament, with proceeds to go to local charities, and student works, whose sales will benefit the Dakin animal shelter.
The Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum will offer holiday trolley rides around the festively decorated village. Round trip is $4 adults and $2 for 6- to 12-year-olds.
McCusker’s Market hosts a “Pothole Pop Up Shop,” featuring local craft vendors and free wine samples, special sales and holiday fare.
For more information call 413-625-2526 or go online to: shelburnefalls.com.