Last Saturday, five of us drove out from the city to one of my favorite things — the Southampton (NY) Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting. It’s a yearly thing. I think it’s 60th.
Thousands of people show up for this event.
We usually do some shopping, which is what the Chamber would love us all to do and then we eat at the Southampton Publik House. Then we step outside on Main Street and the parade starts around 5 pm.
It’s mostly lit up fire trucks and ambulances from various Hampton communities on the east end of Long Island. All small, quaint, old towns. So charming.
At the end of the parade, everyone walks to the end of the block where the tree is lit. It’s a real tree, permanently in the park, it’s there 365 days a year, just not lit up until this Saturday after Thanksgiving every year. There are fireworks behind the tree and it’s a perfect evening.
Before the tree is lit, the high school choir sings Christmas songs and then there are a few speeches, People are thanked for their support and hard work in making this event happen each year. Two ladies have been in charge since the 1970s and that always brings thoughts of the small town I live in in Miami. I can picture them going to work during the year — calling the hardware store owner, asking for something to be built, calling the bank manager for a donation, and so on, throughout the year, making things happen.
It’s all so Mayberry and Stars Hollow. I love it all. I’ve been to Southampton at different times of the year — different seasons. They are all lovable and charming. So are all the Hamptons in eastern Long Island.
Originally published at tomversation.com on November 28, 2022.
