THE JENSEN BROTHERS, from left, Drew, William and Derek had a blast meeting Santa Claus at Historic Lynnfield, Inc.’s “Country Store” on Dec. 7. (Dan Tomasello Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The holiday tradition continues.
Hundreds of residents came together to kick off the holiday season in style when the Meeting House was transformed into Historic Lynnfield, Inc.’s “Country Store” fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 7. The “Country Store” opened its doors at 9 a.m., and business was booming throughout the day.
“This year’s Country Store was terrific,” said Co-Chair Karen Nascembeni, who is Historic Lynnfield Inc.’s vice president. “We had a steady stream of people coming since 9 a.m. this morning. We really diversified the activities, and had a lot more activities for kids both inside and outside. We had some fun new vendors this year as well.”
Country Store Co-Chair Karen Hathaway agreed.
“It’s a beautiful event,” said Hathaway, who is a director for Historic Lynnfield. “It gets everyone into the holiday spirit and starts off the holiday season just right.”
The Voices of Hope choral group kicked off the “Country Store” by performing holiday carols such as “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Silent Night” and “Frosty the Snowman.” Voices of Hope have performed at the last four “Country Store” fundraisers.
“I think one of the things that makes life joyful is tradition,” said Voices of Hope Executive Artistic Director Dana Siegel. “Each year, you look forward to events in which the same people gather year after year, remembering memories from the past, creating new memories, celebrating what we have together and what we have to look forward to. That is what makes life rich. We look forward to returning to the Country Store each year for Karen and in memory of her husband, Steven Richard, and getting to celebrate the joy of the season. The Country Store is one of our favorite events.”
Nascembeni thanked Voices of Hope for performing at the “Country Store” for the fourth straight year.
“Voices of Hope has been a wonderful addition to the Country Store,” said Nascembeni. “People love coming just to see them.”
Santa Claus arrived at the “Country Store” on a Lynnfield fire engine. He took pictures with children and families inside a tent that was set up outside of the Meeting House, and stayed for three hours before flying home to the North Pole.
“We had Santa for a much longer visit,” said Nascembeni. “It was terrific.”
Hathaway concurred with Nascembeni’s viewpoint.
“It was so great seeing the kids get excited to see Santa,” said Hathaway.
Lauren Brooks and her son, Teddy, won Historic Lynnfield’s first annual fire engine ride contest to the “Country Store” with Santa Claus.
“It was so much fun,” said Lauren. “We loved it.”
Connor’s Kindness Project sponsored the North Pole Fishing Hole for the second straight year, and Lynnfield High School juniors Sophie Kennison, Audrey Janielis and Bella Giacobbi helped kids find the perfect gift.
“The North Pole Fishing Hole was very popular,” said Hathaway.
Nascembeni said Historic Lynnfield Director Sharon Marrama, who is Connor’s Kindness Project’s co-founder and executive director, helped recruit volunteers for the North Pole Fishing Hole.
“Sharon works tirelessly to get us a lot of volunteers,” said Nascembeni.
In addition to Santa’s visit and the North Pole Fishing Hole appearing at the “Country Store,” there were photo stand-ins of a snowman and Olaf from “Frozen” on the Town Common that allowed families to take pictures of their kids. Marrama also oversaw the Holiday Book Bazaar that included a variety of children’s holiday books.
Nascembeni also noted that Historical Commission member Abby Kilgore sponsored the penny candy store, and said the candy was selected based on its popularity on TikTok videos. The Nascembeni and the DiFillippo families sponsored the Holiday Ornament Decorating Station that volunteer Marissa Taylor ran.
“Our family donates the Holiday Ornament Decorating station,” said Nascembeni. “The kids always remember making the ornaments. That is complimentary. It allows them to make a memory to take home with them.”
Hathaway noted that the ornaments include the date and year on it, which she said makes them a great memory for children and families.
“It’s just perfect,” said Hathaway.
Nascembeni was thrilled that more families have been attending the “Country Store” the past few years.
“Over the past four years, one of the best things we have done is cultivate the younger generation,” said Nascembeni. “That is so important. Because we have more activities for the kids, we are bringing in more families than we did before. I love that people are coming for their second, third and fourth time, and are making it their tradition.”
The food sold at the Country Store was a big hit once again. Brian Cockell and Joe Miglio sold Vermont cheddar cheese, sponsored by the Nikki Martin Team. Nascembeni’s sister-in-law Doreen DiFillippo, niece Jessica DiFillippo and her late husband Steven’s cousin Don Martin oversaw the ham and bean dinners to-go table.
“The ham and bean dinners were very popular,” said Nascembeni.
Historic Lynnfield Director Lauri Priestley oversaw the baked goods table, which was a big hit once again.
“The Country Store brings such joy to everyone who comes,” said Priestley. “We just keep growing and growing every year. It’s a wonderful event.”
Hathaway, Sue Canty and Donna Condon ran Mrs. Claus’ Snacks and Lunch Kitchen that sold coffee and donuts that were donated by Dunkin’ and Calareso’s Farmstand. They also sold pizza that was donated by Cal’s Brick Oven Pizza, Bertucci’s and Centre Court Pizzeria and Grill. Residents also had the opportunity to buy Singing Marshes Jelly and Jam, popcorn and poppycock.
“People are so generous with what they donate to us,” said Nascembeni about all of the food donations.
The Centre Club held its annual Lottery Contest at the “Country Store” once again.
Similar to previous years, the Village Home and Garden Club sold evergreen arrangements that were a big hit with Country Store attendees. The club also decorated the Town Common and the Lynnfield Public Library before the event. Historic Lynnfield also sold wreaths at the fundraiser.
“People often wait to buy their evergreen arrangements and wreaths at the Country Store because they have been doing so for decades,” said Nascembeni.
A variety of craft vendors appeared at this year’s “Country Store.” Lynnfield native Hollis Colby sold holiday seashells that she decorated from her company Handmade by Hollis.
“I love Hollis and all of the hand-painted shells that she creates,” said Nascembeni. “They are gorgeous.”
Busy Fingers also sold homemade blankets and aprons. Lynnfield resident Deanna McCormick sold children’s painting kits from her company She Creates. Seriously Magical Creations also sold crochet stuffed animals and blankets. Light & Gale Candle Co. and Nora’s Honey and Beeswaxed Candles also appeared at the “Country Store” as vendors.
“The vendors we had were amazing,” said Hathaway.
Nascembeni thanked Hathaway, Marrama, Priestley, Historic Lynnfield, Inc. President Nan Hockenbury, and Historic Lynnfield Directors Kirk Mansfield, John Michalski, Inta Brazelis-Simeone and Michelle Johnson for diligently working to make the “Country Store” fundraiser a huge success once again.
“They are so energetic and enthusiastic, and always want to add more in order to make it better for people,” said Nascembeni. “We have a lot of really hard workers and have been working on the Country Store for months. A lot of moving parts goes into an event of this size that people don’t realize. It takes a lot of work behind the scenes. It takes months to put this on.”
Select Board Chair Dick Dalton thanked Historic Lynnfield, Inc. for hosting the Country Store once again.
“Historic Lynnfield started the day at 9 a.m. with its longstanding and popular tradition of the Country Store,” said Dalton during Lynnfield Recreation’s ‘Tree Lighting: A Whobilation Celebration.’ “They also sponsored pictures with Santa.”
Nascembeni said her late husband Steven, late mother-in-law Edie Richard and father-in-law Earl Richard would be thrilled that the Country Store is still going strong. She wore a button containing Steven’s picture once again.
“The Country Store was near and dear to Steven, Edie and Earl’s hearts,” said Nascembeni. “Four generations of his family have been represented here — from Edie and Earl, Steven and his sister Doreen, and Doreen’s daughters Jessica DiFillippo and Kristen Nickerson, and Jessica’s husband John. They all help with the wreaths and manning the ham-and-bean suppers. And Kristen and John’s children also came to the Country Store this year. That has been characteristic of this event for years. Different families in town have had two and three generations involved in the Country Store, and to have had four here is pretty amazing.”