SHERBROOKE — Old-Fashioned Christmas in Sherbrooke Village welcomed thousands, from Nov. 24 to 26, with the support of hundreds of volunteers and local businesses.
The popular annual yuletide event featured artisans, a market with local vendors, fireworks and a parade. Dana O’Connell, chairman of the Old-Fashioned Christmas board, estimated 4,500 to 5,500 people attended the event over the weekend.
“I’d say it was a huge success,” said O’Connell in an interview with The Journal on Nov 27. “Mainly because of the volunteers and local business participation in the event.”
O’Connell said there were approximately 40 core volunteers, but more than 500 individuals contributed to the event in some capacity. He also highlighted the support from the fire department and Lions Centre, as well as government and corporate sponsors.
The lights and decorations on 40 buildings will stay until January – a cost O’Connell said is covered by Sherbrooke Village.
“With every great event there’s an exit plan,” said O’Connell. “It probably takes about a month to get everything cleaned up and put away.”
A new board is expected to be elected at a meeting in March – and then the planning for 2024 Old-Fashioned Christmas begins in April.
“Nobody on the board gets paid…and it’s a huge responsibility,” said O’Connell.
O’Connell has been chair of the board for two years. He said someone new will lead the annual event into its 28th year in 2024.
