NORTH ATTLEBORO - Big Red is coming to town, Big Red is coming to town, Covid-19 can’t get this community down.
The lights were lit, Santa in hand, the whole Sunday evening sure was grand.
The Downtown Associates of North Attleborough's annual Santa Parade had to be cancelled due to restrictions put in place to stem the spread of COVID-19. Instead, Santa was positioned on staging as cars of believers young and old passed by.
The reverse parade was followed by the lighting of the town Christmas tree.
Outgoing State Representative Betty Poirier started the ceremony by saying, “Merry Christmas everyone. I cannot tell you how happy I am to see you here.”
Town Council President, Keith Lapointe also took time out of the festive occasion to remember a beloved member of the North Attleboro community, “On a night like tonight I can’t help but think of the passing of our very own Santa Claus, Tony Calcia.”
Town Manager Michael Borg told the crowd of nearly a hundred how much he was enjoying his first holiday season in his new position, “It is very warm, loving and grateful to be in a place like North Attleboro on Christmas!”
As the evening was coming to a close, Santa elated the crowd by lighting the town’s Christmas trees, with help from Poirier.
Trees on the common in front of town hall were lit when they flipped the switch and Santa was heard saying, "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!"
Click below to stream highlights of Sunday's tree lighting ceremony.