This Saturday, the Oak Bluffs Association has a full day of free holiday events planned around town for the entire family. The festivities begin at 10 am at Dreamland with the Oak Bluffs Indoor Open Market featuring holiday photo card portraits, hot cider, music, and great gifts from local vendors until 4 pm. From noon to 3 pm, catch a horse-drawn wagon ride from Dreamland and tour the holiday sights and lights nearby in Ocean Park.
An unforgettable puppet parade will start at 2 pm at the foot of Circuit Ave, and all are welcome to join in. Make your way up Circuit Ave. and observe the beautifully decorated store windows, pass through David Healey Square in front of the post office and check out this year’s freshly trimmed Christmas tree on your way to Offshore Ale House for their good old-fashioned holiday party from 3 to 5 pm. For eight years and counting Offshore has joined in the town’s holiday fanfare, but owner Colleen McAndrews promises this year will be the best. Offshore will host mini gingerbread house decorating and ornament making crafts, along with visits from Santa and carolers. During the event, the restaurant will offer their pub menu and full beer and wine service for partygoers of age.
Another treat for the older crowd comes courtesy of Jim’s Package Store with a free wine tasting, also from 3 to 5 pm. Manager Richard Garcia will be setting up tasting tables in the back of the store and will be offering samples of Beaujolais Nouveau, a tasty red holiday wine, along with several other varieties.
Christine Todd, director of Oak Bluffs Association, encourages everyone to come out. “The events this Saturday represent a growing tradition in Oak Bluffs to celebrate the holiday season,” she said. “Fred Fisher is in his second year providing a good old-fashioned horse-drawn wagon ride around Ocean Park, free to all. The open market at Dreamland is an opportunity for local merchants to show their wares and offer gift options that support our local artisans. Stroll through town and visit our merchants and participate in the Santa Sweepstakes raffle to win a $25 gift certificate to some of your favorite Island establishments.”
No matter your age or preference, there will be something for everyone to get in the holiday spirit this Saturday in Oak Bluffs.