Last Saturday, December the 6th, Experience Middlebury (that’s us—Kathryn & Kelly!), along with Better Middlebury Partnership board members Wendy Hirdler, Amey Ryan, and Jenn Bleich bundled up and headed to the Town Hall Theater… only to find the atmosphere anything but chilly. Inside was pure joy. The stage was set for a performance of A Christmas Carol, a perfect victorian street scene, ready for Santa and Mrs Claus to spin their magic. Ted from STAR 92.1 joined us to set the festive mood—music, laughter, and that unmistakable holiday buzz. And then they came… over 200 children with bright eyes and big anticipation…
Highlights from a magical morning:
🎁 Gifts from Maple Landmark brought so many smiles—thank you for helping us make the magic happen.
✉️ Children wrote heartfelt letters to Santa (there were some excellent gift ideas this year).
🍫 Alyssa Provost, our wonderful intern, helped sell chocolate bars like the true professional she is—an enormous thank you to her for her energy and enthusiasm!
🎄 Our elves were OUT in force, spreading joy and keeping everything running smoothly:
• David LaRocque
• Mabel Blackwell
• Lola Federman
• Henry Kirmse
• Sage Turner
🐴 Outside, Caroline LaRocque held down the fort at the horse-and-wagon station with Macey from Driven by Drafts —thank you both for creating such a magical entrance experience.
🌟 And special thanks to Jen LaRocque, who kept everything ticking along beautifully behind the scenes.
💖 Huge gratitude to Tom and Amey ( A.K.A. SANTA and Mrs Claus) for doing the honours and helping us welcome families, and to the Town Hall Theater for hosting us with their signature warmth.
And a huge shout-out to Lisa Mitchell, who not only opens up for us but is somehow still smiling even when she’s mopping the floors at the end—Lisa, you’re a true community treasure. It was a beautiful morning full of joy, generosity, and so many smiling faces.
A Very Merry Middlebury indeed!