Woolwich welcomed the Yule season with a joyful blend of music and caroling that filled the historic Nequasset Meeting House with good fellowship Sunday evening, Dec. 7. For more than 30 years, this cherished community tradition, hosted by the Special Events Committee, has brought neighbors together in the holiday spirit while collecting canned goods and cash donations for Bath Area Food Bank.

“Deck the Halls,” “Jingle Bells,” “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” were among the holiday tunes played by the Monsweagers as Selectman Allison Hepler and Sharon Pyne teamed up to lead the singing. Santa and Mrs. Claus were the program’s featured guests. 

This year’s program was extra special for David King Sr., selectboard chairman, and his wife Barbara. They were hosting Millie Mae Gurney, their 2-year-old great-granddaughter. “Twenty-four years ago at this same event I was photographed by the Wiscasset Newspaper holding Millie’s dad Maxwell,” he said when he addressed the audience.

King began by thanking the Special Events Committee for hosting the program noting Collette Coombs has been helping organize the event since it started. He took the opportunity to express his appreciation to the community’s first responders, office staff and road commissioner for their continued hard work and dedication to the town. King said people could brighten a less fortunate household this winter by donating funds to the town’s heating assistance fund, or Bath Area Food Bank. 

New this year was a holiday duet by Victoria Harvey and Rina Howe. Later, Doug Protsik and Scott Ciampa led in singing two old-time favorites, “The Old Lamplighter” and “Nuttin for Christmas.” Spiritual messages were provided  by the Rev. Clay Porr of Woolwich-Wiscasset Baptist Church and the Rev. Tom Tuck of First Baptist Church of Woolwich. 

Tamara Lilly (Mrs. Claus) invited all the youngsters to sit by the Christmas tree while she read “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Following the singing of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," Santa made his appearance, giving away candy canes and toys to children.