Rina Van Valkenburgh accompanied by The Monstweagers led in the singing of “White Christmas” and other holiday favorites at Woolwich’s Yule Sing at Nequasset Meeting House Dec. 8.

A tradition for 27 years, Sunday’s event included accepting non-perishable food donations for Bath Area Food Bank said Collette Combs, chair of the Special Events Committee which hosts the popular event. Other organizers included Tammy Given, Allen and Janice Greene, and Selectman and District 53 Rep. Allison Hepler, master of ceremonies.

Among the performers were vocalist Sharon Pyne, accompanied by Doug Protsik on the accordion. They performed  an old Christmas folk song. Other highlights included Oliva Beeton’s acapella solo of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and an acapella solo by Victoria Harvey. 

“If you are a regular attendee to this event you know I take the opportunity to thank our town administrator and staff and also all of our first responders for their hard work, dedication and service to the community,” said Selectmen’s Chairman David King Sr. “We are truly blessed to live in a beautiful little town where neighbors care for one another.”

In keeping with the spirit of the season, King said people could brighten a less fortunate household this winter by donating money to the town’s heating assistance fund.

Rev. Clay Porr of Woolwich-Wiscasset Baptist Church provided a meaningful Yuletide message. He suggested many lessons could be learned by watching Charles Shultz’s “Charlie Brown Christmas.” Porr said what makes the animated television special still so popular after over 50 years is its theme, Christmas is the season of giving and also the story of the First Christmas as told by Linus taken from the Gospel of Luke.

Woolwich Deputy Fire Chief Glen Kirkpatrick reminded one and all to be safe over the holidays. Remember to water the Christmas tree every day and don’t overload electrical outlets or power strips, he said. “The most important thing is check to be sure your smoke alarms are all working.”

Hepler said no Yule Sing event in Woolwich would be complete without “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” as read by Ann Pierson. The program concluded with a visit from Santa Claus who had gifts and candy canes for all the children. Lloyd and Collette Coombs lit the holiday tree.