2012 Winter Holiday Stroll was huge success

To the Editor: Now in its 19th year, the Winter Holiday Stroll continues to focus on traditional elements such as the candlelight procession, the lighting of the tree, festive music and dance while incorporating a new energy this year with the Stroll Jam. This is the city of Nashua’s event, organized by Great American Downtown and hosted in downtown Nashua. It was an evening of fabulous entertainment and merriment, along with exceptional shopping and dining in the wonderful downtown atmosphere. This year, an estimated 35,000 people in our community came out on this special evening to kick off their holidays with family and friends. On behalf of Great American Downtown’s board of directors and Winter Holiday Stroll Committee, I would like to thank all those who contributed to the success of this year’s event. We had a superb crew of more than 100 event volunteers from near and far who devoted their time and energy on the day of the event – and into the night, as well. Thank you for your support. Great American Downtown would like to thank our generous Stroll sponsors and supporters whose support made it all possible: Sunnyside Acura, Triangle Credit Union, Shaw’s, Granite State Credit Union, Granite State College, Zimmerman’s Skis Boards and More, New Sky Productions, Eaton & Berube Insurance, First Student, Five Guys Burgers & Fries, Martha’s Exchange, The Nashua Bank, Oakhurst Dairy, Sky-Skan, Slawsby Insurance Agency, Bellavance Beverage Co., H&R Block, The Telegraph and Frank FM. Our deepest gratitude to: The City of Nashua’s Parks & Recreation Department, Department of Public Works, Nashua Police Department, Nashua Fire Department, the Fire Marshal’s Office, Office of Emergency Management, Transportation Department, Environmental Health Department, Building Maintenance, City Clerk’s Office and the Mayor’s Office. Arlene and Bob Dinnegan for the donation of their beautiful blue spruce tree to be used as the city’s tree. Pat and Bud Dunnell, who led the candlelight procession with poise. Mark Piekarski and the Mechanical Fleet Division of the Nashua Fire Department for each participating with their meticulously maintained antique fire trucks. Ed Lecius and Meri Goyette for warmly welcoming visitors into the Hunt Building. James Vayo and Renaissance Downtowns for generously donating their location to serve as event headquarters again this year! Sovereign Bank and the Masonic Building Association for the use of their parking lot for the first-ever Stroll Jam. Our downtown merchants and entertainment venues that are true hosts to downtown visitors during the night of the event. Also, we extend great appreciation and thanks to the talented collection of musicians, dancers, actors, magicians, artists, robotics engineers, ice carvers and astronomers who spend months preparing for this event. Most important, Great American Downtown thanks everyone who came to downtown Nashua – you make the evening truly delightful! Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season, and we hope to see you next year for the 20th annual Winter Holiday Stroll on Nov.