‘It’s a Wonderful Night’ celebrates the holidays with ‘eclectic’ energy in Turners Falls

TURNERS FALLS — Store lights illuminated Avenue A on Friday night as families popped into the various shops in search of holiday deals and rushed to see Santa Claus at “It’s A Wonderful Night in Turners Falls.”

“Community events like these, first of all, they allow the community to come together, they create community, and coming out of COVID, that’s the big challenge,” said Thomas Taaffe, executive director of The Brick House Community Resource Center on Third Street, sitting at a table inside The Brick House as families crafted, munched on brownies and drank hot chocolate. “[People] got into their comfy space in COVID or their lonely space, and then the coming back out became a lot harder for some than others.”

To invite families out of their homes and into Turner Falls’ downtown, Anna Hendricks of Great Falls Creative Movement led a family dance party in The Brick House’s Teen Center. In the glow of red and green lights, parents, children and teens jammed to hits like “Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga before lining up to wait for Santa Claus at Spinner Park.

“The scene downtown is unfussy in its own way,” said Kiah Tinkham of Waterway Arts on Avenue A. She laughed as the parade of parents and youngsters passed by the shop of quirky crafts and gifts, punctuating her point. “The wonderful unfussiness of the whole thing, that matches the vibe of the town … old-fashioned fun.”

Sitting next to Tinkham at the cash register, Scout Cuomo chimed in to list other Turners Falls traits.

“Eclectic, great food, lots of little treasure troves,” Cuomo said.

Inside LOOT found + made, kids spun a wheel for prizes like a $15 gift card, a free toy, a “surprise bag,” “LOOT bucks” or a whoopie cushion. Adults joined in on the holiday spirit by turning the bingo cage. According to employee Casey Williams, the bingo ball numbers translated to discounts. For example, the number 68 would mean $6.80 off a purchase.

“We brace for impact,” Williams said at the register, taking a break from turning the bingo cage to help move along the busy line. “Everyone has to do something along these lines, otherwise the holidays come and go.”

John McNamara, who runs LOOT with co-owner Erin MacLean, said “It’s a Wonderful Night” gives businesses a boost by inviting locals and visitors through their doors and into their aisles of distinct offerings, like vintage gear, old postcards and even three-eyed felt monsters.

“It’s always been a town with a lot of possibilities,” McNamara said. Referring to neighboring businesses, he added, “We all support each other.”

Outside the store, “Jingle Bells” filled the streets not from a speaker, but from Jason Mosall’s trumpet and Kevin Smith’s tuba at Spinner Park.

Children squealed and hopped up and down until they spotted Santa’s signature white beard and blushing cheeks through the window of a fire truck. A crowd of about 40 attendees rushed to catch sight of the night’s star as he stepped out of the truck and greeted his small fans.

“It’s a great tradition,” said Alison Messier, watching the rush of children meet Santa. She and her mother, Kathryn Messier, stopped by Spinner Park on their way to watch “Welcome Yule: A Midwinter Celebration” at the Shea Theater Arts Center.

“It’s a small town, and I enjoy small town things,” Kathryn Messier said.

Plus, “At this one, they actually have the real Santa Claus,” Jeremy Latch of Turners Falls said with a wink before the kids pulled him to the fire truck.