2012 Event Held in Memory of Reading businessman Walter Hersey

The Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce is once again this year busy planning the annual Reading Holiday Light Festival which will be held on Sunday, November 25 from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  This fun, family day will take place in downtown Reading on Haven Street, Lowell Street, Reading Common and Main Street.  After meeting families and taking pictures at Reading Co-operative Bank beginning at 1 p.m., Santa will arrive on the Common at 4:30 p.m. to conduct the tree lighting ceremony.  Working with RMLD who generously donated LED lights for the trees, the Chamber of Commerce takes great pride in lighting the Reading Common for all to enjoy.  All community members are encouraged to join the Chamber downtown to enjoy the festivities.

Making this holiday event even more special, this year’s festivities will be dedicated in memory of Reading businessman, Walter Hersey.  Mr. Hersey owned and operated Hersey Jewelers in Reading since 1959.  When he passed away earlier this year, Walter’s family fulfilled his wish to donate funds in his name to our lighting festival.  “The Chamber of Commerce has received generous donations from dozens of townspeople, all of which will be used to help fund this event and continue the tradition that Mr. Hersey loved,” said Chamber Executive Director, Julie Higgins.  “We appreciate this kind gesture so much and, to show our appreciation to Mr. Hersey and his family, we are proud to dedicate this year’s event in memory of Mr. Walter Hersey.”

The festival kicks off at 1 p.m. with many downtown streets being closed including Haven Street.  Activities include photos and visits with Santa at Reading Co-operative Bank, visit Petunia the Clown at Eastern Bank, character visits from Elmo, Frosty, Rudolph and more!  Bouncy houses will also be available courtesy Elite Freestyle and the Chamber of Commerce.  Trucks from Reading Municipal Light Department, Reading’s Fire Department and DPW will be parked downtown and available for tours.

Lowell Street from Town Hall to CVS will be closed and filled with more festival activities.  The Reading Girl Scouts will be conducting cookie and calendar sales outside The Hitching Post Gift Shop on Haven Street. 

Two trolleys featuring the Tom Smith holiday carolers will be circling the downtown with stops at the Venetian Moon, Grumpy Doyle’s, and The Chocolate Truffle.  In addition, RCTV studio will be open for tours and inviting community members in to make a craft or watch a holiday films in the screening room.        

Local talent will be performing throughout the day.   Scheduled so far:  Austin Preparatory School Chorus, Reading Community Singers, Creative Arts, RMHS Marching Band, and Old South United Methodist Church Organ and Brass will hold a concert in the church at 4:30 p.m.  Programs mapping out trolley stops, activities and entertainment schedules will be available at the festival.  Please consult the program for specific performance.  For further details, contact Chamber Executive Director, Julie Higgins at 978-664-5060.