Oakdale Square Holiday Fest Set for Saturday, Dec. 3rd

DEDHAM, MA - The Oakdale Square Alliance neighborhood group is hosting its 11th annual Light the Night! Holiday Celebration this Saturday, December 3rd from 4:00 p.m. to 6 p.m. The free, family-friendly holiday event kicks off at 4pm inside the charming 146-year old Church of the Good Shepherd at 62 Cedar Street, which serves as the tree lighting event's cozy headquarters for nearly a decade. At 5pm, Santa is expected to arrive to greet children and pose for photos. By 5:45 pm, Santa will lead the crowd to the Oakdale Common for a countdown and tree lighting. Event concludes at 6pm.

The festive celebration is open and free to all, and features a ceremonial lighting of the newly-planted holiday tree on the Oakdale Square Common, caroling, festive music, children’s gingerbread decorating activity, complimentary hot chocolate & coffee, craft activities and baked treats. Dedham Police Department's Police Dog Ruby will be at the event in her best, holiday attire for photos. And, of course, Santa will be at the event by 5pm for a meet-and-greet and photos with all good boys and girls. Guests are encouraged to bring a donation to the Dedham Food Pantry.

This year, music will be provided by the Dedham School of Music's Community Band. Since its formation in 2017, the DSM Community Band has played concerts at Boston's Hatch Shell, the Summer Concert Series at the Endicott Estate, Dedham Square Holiday Stroll, Pride Flag Raising and the All-Town Band Concert. The DSM Community Band welcomes musicians of all skill levels, ages 16 and up with rehearsals most Thursdays in Dedham. Accomplished musician and educator Jenn Zevos leads the DSM Community Band.

To add even more light to Light the Night, OSA has added new, colored solar LED lights to the Oakdale Common placing a well-deserved spotlight on the Veteran's Memorial, which honors all those who have served in all branches of the US military.

The Light the Night event is made possible by the generosity of lead sponsor Dedham Savings, and contributing sponsors; Needham Bank, Oakdale Advanced Dental, Creative Charm, and Blue Bunny Books & Mocha Java.

Founded in 2010, the Oakdale Square Alliance was formed to promote, enhance, strengthen and improve the economic vitality, visual appearance and character, cultural and historic resources, accessibility, and overall quality of life in Oakdale Square. For more information about Oakdale Square Alliance events and neighborhood volunteer opportunities, visit the organization on Facebook www.facebook.com/oakdalesquarealliance.

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