By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

CASCO — For one family, attending the annual events in two towns is as much a part of the holidays as going out in search of the perfect Christmas tree.

“Christmas in Harrison and Casco Christmas has been a tradition for our family since Lyla was a baby,” according to Casco resident Jennel Berry.

Both her children, Lyla, 7, and Jameson, 4, attended Mayberry Hill Preschool, which does a public recital as part of the Casco Holiday Celebration. Last year, Jameson was so overwhelmed when he saw all the people in the audience that he could not sing. This year, he sang. So, he was feeling really proud and excited and also hungry for the cookie he had frosted at the Casco Community Center.

“Definitely, I think it’s great for the kiddos to have this tradition of singing together,” she said.

As far as Christmas in Harrison (CIH), which took place a week earlier, her children listed the parade, arts and crafts, and the cookie walk as their favorites.

“I love the crafts, sleigh rides and the parade. Honestly, I love all of it. We love taking a sleigh ride, seeing Santa and being part of all the festivities,” Jennel Berry said.

Berry lived in Florida until she was 13, but her husband James is from Harrison. He says that compared to what he remembers, the Harrison event has grown bigger over the years. Yet, it still feels like a small-town event.

“We love the close-knit communities and seeing friends and family. We love that our kids learn about tradition and get to take part in the community. It teaches them so much just by being a part of it. Christmas is about family, friends, and giving,” Berry said.

Citizens can benefit in many ways by going to these free holiday events, according to the owners of Wild North Counseling in Bridgton.

“Humans are wired for connection. Events like these bring people together,” said Tyghe Blackadar, of Wild North Counseling

“Individual participation in public events can strengthen the community and bring vibrancy to community that the individual is part of,” Blackadar said.

“I think the overarching theme is the benefit of human connection in general and how valuable those connections can be. On the individual level, it gives people a sense of connection, a sense of purpose,” he said. 

“There is a positive feedback loop,” Blackadar said. “If someone feels good about the community, if they feel like they’re part of the community, they are more likely to give back. Contributing and volunteering to give back to the community — there is a lot of benefit that comes from that. People experience positive emotions related to contributing and helping others. People benefit from feeling like they have purpose and from being part of something bigger than themselves.”

CIH Board of Directors President Britt Bennett agreed.

“I think Christmas in Harrison provides the community members with lasting memories and traditions,” she said. “I don’t think we have a lot of opportunity in our community to do that. This event is a big thing that families look forward to all year long —  to get together and make memories. For many decades, we had Harrison Old Home Days. Several years ago, that came to an end. Now Christmas in Harrison is the only community event we have.”

“On one side of it, we have the benefit to the community members who get to participate in it. On the other side, it’s an opportunity for our local businesses to advertise and showcase, and give back to the community,” Bennett said, adding, “The majority of our sponsorship comes from local businesses. It is local businesses that pay to put this on.”

Bridgton Recreation Director Gary Colello witnessed how the Festival of Lights positively impacts businesses and the people involved.

“The community benefits from this in many ways, but there are a couple things on top of the list for me. One is the social importance and the well-being of members of the community, and the other being the economic value to the town,” Colello said. “Events like this provide a sense of pride and cohesion, and is a tangible reflection of the quality of life in the community.”

“Events and other recreation services are often cited as one of the most important factors in surveys of how livable communities are,” he said, citing an article called Why Parks and Recreation are Essential Public Services.

“The second is an indirect focus for the recreation department, but is as equally as important is the economic value the event creates for the community. Many people travel into town for the day to spend time with family and friends, shop, go out to eat, and/or explore the outdoors because of the Festival of Lights and other events we put on in town,” he said. “Supporting our local businesses is important to us and the Festival of Lights supports those local businesses by bringing people to the community, creating opportunity for Bridgton to show itself off for visitors, entrepreneurs, as well as current and future community members.”  

Casco Recreation Department Director Beth Latsey said Casco Holiday Celebration offers something for all ages.

“I think this is really cool small-town event that attracts people of all ages, even people who don’t have children or grandchildren in recital. We have older people who come out. Then, we have grandparents, parents, little kids, bigger kids,” Latsey said. “There are lots of people who come just because it is festive event.”

In Casco, the children at Mayberry Hill Preschool perform holiday songs and when the recital comes to a close, Santa arrives in the gym. In the room closest to the kitchen, cookie decorating kits are set up. In the big meeting room, between 4 and 5 crafts tables are set up. Each table is manned with a volunteer or two to guide children and parents through the craft.

The parents of a Mayberry Hill student consider this evening a family ritual that kick off Christmas season.

“It’s an awesome tradition at Mayberry — all the kids look forward to it. They spend a ton of time practicing beforehand. They practice every day for over a month,” mom Bailey Lindgren said.

“He has been singing the songs at home for months,” dad Noel Lindgren said, of their son Magnus, 4.

Magnus is joined by his younger sibling 2 1/2-year-old Francie. The brother and sister are wearing matching sweaters.

“There is a good sense of community with this. It just kinda kicks off the start of the holiday spirit. It a really good, heart-warming community event,” dad said.

He listed what this evening would include.

“We are gonna make some hot cocoa, decorate some cookies. We were most excited to meet Santa and get candy canes. Run around the gym and play with friends,” he said.

Pam Sessions believed CIH appeals to different age groups.

“It hits every generation. Christmas time — somewhere along the line, people have a traditional memory for Christmas,” Sessions said. “The young kids come to see Santa. The adults who come here go to the craft fair. The Jingle and Mingle at the church — we see more of the older generation.”