Santa In August? Yes! Your Kids Can See Santa In Franklin On August 26th
Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a special appearance at the sixth annual “Toys For Tots Festival.” This will take place at BoxSeats in Franklin, MA on August 26th. This…
You heard that right! Where else can you see Santa in August? Only in Franklin on August 26th!
Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a special appearance at the sixth annual "Toys For Tots Festival." This will take place at BoxSeats in Franklin, MA on August 26th.
This year, the goal of the Toys For Tots Festival is to fill a truck bed with toys for the Toys For Tots Foundation. Last year, because of the incredible generosity of the patrons, they were able to fill a room full of toys.
This is a free event for families of all ages. (Just don't forget to bring an unwrapped toy!) There's so much going on at this event including a car show outside in the parking lot. There will be music all day from live musicians and a DJ. If you want your face painted, you can have that done.
Most importantly, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making an appearance to say "hi" to the kids. It doesn't cost any money to see Mr. and Mrs. Claus either!
Some of the raffle items include: bowling certificates from PiNZ, limo service from Emerald Square Limo, a car detail from Rojo Car Wash, and more. Raffle tickets cost money, but all of that money goes to the great cause.
John MacLennanWhat Is Toys For Tots?
Toys for Tots is a program that originated in 1947. It was brought to life by U.S. Marine Corps Major, Bill Hendricks and his wife, Diane. In its inception, Diane handmade a doll, igniting the spark for a legacy of community impact. Today, Toys for Tots has grown into a nationwide movement, collecting new, unwrapped toys during the holiday season and distributing them as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children across the United States.
The importance of this program is multi-fold. Beyond the fundamental act of gifting, it promotes a spirit of giving, encourages societal unity, and helps instill hope in disadvantaged children. Through this initiative, children are given a chance to experience the joy and magic of the holiday season, regardless of their economic status.
Moreover, local communities are invigorated by the shared responsibility and collective action that Toys for Tots inspires. The program generates an avenue for everyone to contribute, thus fostering a sense of community solidarity and empathy.
Toys for Tots was started by the United States Marines. Every holiday season they collect unwrapped toys and distribute them to children during Christmas.
At this event in August 26th, don't forget to bring an unwrapped gift and donate it to Toys For Tots so children will get a gift this holiday season.
Here's all of the info you'll need to attend the Toys For Tots Festival. It's in Franklin on August 26th from 12-8pm. And it's FREE!
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12 New England Destinations That Are TOPS For Travel This Summer
Everybody is going somewhere...and fast! Summer is here. According to AAA Northeast, it's a very busy season on the roads. Be prepared for plenty of traffic, wait times at restaurants and no vacancy signs at hotels/motels. So, where are you going? Beach, mountains, city? Here are 12 New England destinations that are TOPS for travel through Labor Day, according to visitnewengland.com.
Here, you will find something for everyone, from more active destinations to more laid-back, chill kinds of places. So, whether it's R&R you are seeking or tons of fun in the sun, there's a place for you. And most of these spots are a fairly easy drive, with or without kids. Take a look at 12 New England destinatins that are TOPS for travel this summer, as chosen by the website Visiting New England.
Surprisingly, on this list, Cape Cod didn't rank until #13, with Centerville, MA near Hyannis. Maine lives up to it's moniker, "Vacationland," with plenty of love shown to the Pine Tree State. New Hampshire is always a popular vacation state and had a good showing in the top 12, here. It's not your typical list, where P-Town and Nantucket show up big. But this may give you some good ideas for summer travel. There's still time to enjoy the season!
12. Kennebunkport, ME
Kennebunkport, Manie is a "simple, sea-centric bliss: a natural beach destination with miles of rugged shoreline dotted with summer homes and sailboats." That's how US News and World Report descriped this lovely little slice of New England heaven. There are some sweet little bed and breakfasts, amazing seafood restaurants, a pretty-as-a-picture downtown with boutiques and coffee shops to keep you busy. Biking is so fun around here with the impressive Eastern Trail. I've logged a few miles on this one. There's actually a 65-mile section of the East Coast Greenway that spans from Kittery to South Portland.
11. Burlington, VT
How can you not fall in love with Burlington? It's charming yet cosmopolitan. Nestled between the Adirondack and Green Mountains, and sweetly situated on the shores of Lake Champlain, Burlington is chock full of nature, arts and culture. You won't have to search long for things to do, there is plenty with theater, music, hiking and biking.
10. Newport, RI
"America's first resort," as it was once called, is a great place to visit for history, food, great beaches and entertainment. Of course, Newport is famous for it's Gilded Age mansions and Cliff walk. But it's also a spectacular place being on the water or in the water. You can rent sailboats and take lessons at The Newport Yacht Club. Shopping is downtown is always fun, too.
9. Portsmouth, NH
This beautiful little city not only is a fun place to visit, but it's become a very hot spot to move. It has so much to offer, from beaches to restaurants, culture to open space. Take a sunset cruise, go whale watching or enjoy a night out on the town with music, theater and fabulous restaurants.
8. Lexington-Concord, MA
Need 40 good reasons to visit this historic area of Massachusetts? Visiting New England has them for you! You know it has to include a visit to spectacular Walden Pond, or the Minuteman Bikeway. How about the historic Colonial Inn in Concord. It's all here, beauty and history.
7. Stowe, VT
Breathtaking sunset views, world-class recreation and plenty of local flavor can be found in charming Stowe, Vermont. Did you know Stowe is located at the foot of Vermont's highest peak, Mount Mansfield? Up for a hike? Plenty of gorgeous trails to be found here.
6. Rockport. MA
With miles of beautiful beaches, this quaint little New England town is a perfect destination for a summer break from reality. As rockportusa.com declares, Rockport has"that uncommonly magical light that has inspired painters since Winslow Homer." Be sure to make a stop at the famous artist colony at Bearskin Neck, grab a lobster roll and soak in the North Shore flavor.
5. Lincoln-Woodstock region, NH
Woodstock is a perfectly lovely and fun little town. You can't pass up a visit and/or stay at the Woodstock Inn Brewery. Plenty of local pizzaza here. Walk down Main Street for quaint shops and restaurants. According to visitwhitemountains.com, another grea place to see is Cascade Park. "Located behind Main Street, it is a tranquil place to relax on the rocks, take a dip in the Pemigewasset River, or enjoy a picnic lunch. Stay for some live music from local bands at the gazebo at Soldier’s Park, held on Saturday nights throughout the summer."
4. Boston, MA
Sometimes, the most fun you can have is in your own backyard. When was the last time you were a tourist in Boston? I just did the North End Food Tour and fell back in love with my city. The food, the culture, the history, the beauty is all right here. World class shopping, the Swan Boats, the Rose Kennedy Greenway, live music at MGM Music Hall, a game at Fenway...this summer GET HERE. Fall back in love with Boston. Do an overnight stay at an Air B&B or hotel. Live and love Boston.
3. Block Island, RI
Immerse yourself in summer at Block Island, with 7 miles of "pristine beaches, protected by lighthouses and spectacular bluffs" (Visit Rhode Island). It's just a short ferry ride from the mainland to feel like you are far away from reality. It truly is the ultimate island experience. Explore the island on a bike or moped. Walk the boutique lined streets. Catch live music with the sun setting on you. There is so much to summer here!
2. Northeast Harbor, ME
Visiting New England says Northeast Harbor Maine is: "A peaceful haven from some of the more commercial hustle and bustle of Acadia National Park, Northeast Harbor is a true vacation getaway. Situated on a beautiful Maine harbor, Northeast Harbor also has a quaint little downtown with a grocery store, a few restaurants and clothing and antique stores." This is the place to get back to nature and find a little peace.
1. York Beach, ME
If you've never been you should know that this area, sometimes called "the Yorks, " is actually 4 communities. There's York Village, York Harbor, York Beach and Cape Neddick. So much York to love! But, as for York Beach, it's all hot fun in the summertime! Visit Maine claims "it’s a tiny, classic village full of funky places to eat, shop and play. A long-time favorite is The Goldenrod, a candy store and café open since 1896. Salt-water taffy is made on-site, with more than eight million pieces produced annually." How sweet! But don't let that distract you from what's really important here, the beaches! Try on Long Sands Beach, with 1.5 miles of sand, swimming, sunbathing and water fun. If that doesn't fit, try Short Sands Beach, which is a 1/4 mile of beach, "tucked amid the cliffs. There is a playground here for the little ones, and a gazebo for summer concerts. No short supply of New England summertime fun at York Beach.
