By Michelle Madden
Photos by Phil Dutton
What is it about snow globes that draw us in? Is it the sense of familiarity and the knowledge that it will always be the same, whether we pick it up again in a minute or in a year? Holiday in the Depot, put on by the Washington Business Association and by Washington Parks & Recreation, is our snow globe: A cherished winter tradition, held in the snug hamlet of Washington Depot for the last 33 years.
On Friday, December 13, approximately 3,000 friends and families will gather. A horsedrawn wagon will take bundled travelers into the cold, and Santa will welcome children to his lap. Local businesses will throw open their doors, hot chocolate will be enjoyed and songs will be sung. Kids will get lost with their friends, reveling in the freedom of the night; when hands are cold and bodies weary, they’ll be found again.
“I have Polaroids of my girls, taken over 20 years, sitting on Santa’s lap. In the toddler years there were sometimes tears, later there were boyfriends, but the constant was always Santa,” shares Michelle Gorra, a Washington resident and Economic and Community Development director for the Town of Washington.
What keeps this tradition going year after year is the sense of pride and commitment to the community. The tree is always lit by individuals who have made a significant contribution to the town. Last year, it was a group of Shepaug coaches and their winning teams. One year, Ray Reich (a former member of Park and Rec) trailed behind the horse wagon with a large shovel. “If you’re looking for the Stars Hollow/Gilmore Girls vibe, this is it,” shares Kerry Gallagher, who used to come as a young child and now works at the Hickory Stick Bookshop.
Every organization contributes: Judy Black Park & Gardens has invited Frosty the Snowman, who will arrive in a red vintage truck. National Iron Bank will host a marshmallow roast. The library will host children’s activities. The Food Market will welcome craftspeople to sell wares out front. The Washington Primary School chorus will sing. And the Hickory Stick will continue its tradition of serving eggnog and shortbread.
Jenn Pote, Community Services director for the Town of Washington, said the event keeps growing. “We now draw from a wider reach as friends bring friends; but the feeling of connection is still strong.”
Adding to the wonderland are the fairy lights, hanging like earrings from the mighty oaks. It began with one, spread to four, and has now multiplied to a dozen trees that stay lit all season. They are the stars in a dark winter sky—and now an integral part of Washington’s winter.
There has never been a year in the event’s history, when the show did not go on. During the pandemic the event was transformed into a drive-through with colored lights on firetrucks and cars. Songs were still sung, and Santa still waved. COVID raged, but in the Depot, Christmas went on.
—explorewashingtonct.com
