December 12, 2011 Steve Nelson's famous song and fairytale, "Frosty the Snowman", came to town on Saturday, as Frosty danced around with the children through the village square. They say that Nelson had Armonk in mind when he wrote the song in 1949. Frosty came alive and his spirit was contagious as the town was transformed into a magical place, through the sunset and into a chilly evening.
The festivities of the day began as the children were sent on a scavenger hunt for Frosty's hat, mittens, broomstick, corncob pipe and an exclusive Armonk scarf. The pieces were scattered along Main Street storefronts. Youngsters put Frosty back together again with buttons, glue and glitter. They taped him to the top of a yardstick, and brought him along for Main Street's village parade.
It was a jolly parade with an interesting cast of characters: a marching dixie band, Civil Air Patrol, the Morris family winter clowns, fairies, Daisies, Brownies and Cubs Scouts dressed by Enchanted Wishes, baseball players, Friends of the North Castle Library, Armonk Lions, North Castle historians, local politicians, members of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Byram Hills' organizations and last but not least, Frosty the Snowman himself. Frosty was personally escorted by North Castle's Councilwoman Rebecca Kittredge.
The parade's automobiles were decorated with holiday lights. Santa rang the siren from Armonk Fire Department's oldest engine. A Volkswagen bug was decked with a red button nose and reindeer antlers. The world's first fully electric SUV participated. Armonk's own 2011 Miss Teen Westchester Samantha Gold waved to the crowd from a white convertible. A float carried a group of singers, accompanied by an accordion player, who were surrounded by two gigantic Frosty balloons. North Castle's NC4 emergency group showed off their new trailer. Ed Woodyard, Sam Morell and Donna Garr graciously provided commentary as the Masters of the Ceremony.
The children laughed and played, and danced around Frosty in his silk black hat. He led them down the streets of town to the gazebo, where the group of hundreds was serenaded by holiday tunes of the Gracenotes. After a quick countdown, Frosty pushed the lever that lit up the Christmas tree, the Menorah, and the Crescent Moon and Star in the park. This years' addition of snowflakes high up in the treetops added a sparkle to the holiday lights.
The multiple renditions of "Frosty the Snowman" could be heard throughout the day. The classic "Frosty the Snowman" cartoon was played on the big screen at the library. Also at the library post parade was Cabaret Singer Jody Sandhaus, accompanied by Gene Pino who did a jazzy version of "Frosty the Snowman". Pre-parade, the middle school bands and choir, were led by music teachers Cheryl Beck, Alan Lounsbury and Kathy Shelhart. The young musicians entertained the young and the young at heart with some holiday classics at a variety of shops, and the middle school trio, accompanied by a ukulele, sang "Frosty the Snowman" on Main Street.
Historical tales were shared at North Castle's Smith Tavern as school teacher Diane Brown explained the ways of yesteryear with two young lads and their family. They talked about how the expression of “sleep tight” came from tightening the rope frame under the mattress. They also learned about the tinsmiths' methods of keeping fruit pies protected from bugs and protecting the house from fire, while bread was cooked in the oven.
Holiday cheer was still alive after the parade as politicians rode the hayrides and youngsters visited Santa and Frosty. Marshmallows and s’mores were cooked on a stick at the open flame at the Fire Pit Tavern, as residents sang another round of "Frosty the Snowman."
Frosty waved goodbye and before he thumpety, thump-thumped away, he said, "I'll be back again next year on December 8." Catch him if you can.
The Green Acres Garden Club has announced its winners of the 2011 Holiday Decorating Contest, which each year precedes the Winter Walk.
Dec. 13, 2011 This year's winners are:
First Place: Opus 465
Second Place: Hickory & Tweed
Third Place: Gavi Restaurant
Honorable Mention: LaGravinese Jewelers
Congratulations to all the winners. Next year's contest deadline will be December 7th.
Mariachi Mexico
Susan Blake
Happy Holidays Armonk
Armonk's Winter Celebration 2011
Chanukah
The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Chanukah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. According to legend during the second century B.C, Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt. Chanukah means "dedication" in Hebrew.
It is often called the Festival of Lights. The holiday is celebrated for eight nights with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games and gifts.
