200 Walkers Light Up Campello on Holiday History Lantern Walk
A collaboration among Campello Main Streets, the Keith Park Neighborhood Association, and The Huntington School resulted in close to 200 students, parents and citizens participating in the Campello Holiday History Lantern Walk on December 7, 2016. The group walked from the Huntington along South Street, north on Main, and then returned to the school.
The students of the Huntington made lanterns in advance that were lighted that evening with battery powered tea lights. Crescent Credit Union also donated lanterns for parents to carry for safety and visibility. Lynn Smith, Treasurer of the Keith Park Neighborhood Association, led the walk, making three 'history' stops along the way: one told the story of how Brockton and Campello got their names; one told the story of Thomas Edison, his time in Brockton and the invention of electric lights for Christmas tree safety, and the third told the story of James Edgar and the First Department Store Santa. The students also brought hand-made decorations to place on the small evergreen trees in the barrels along Main Street, which were planted last week by volunteers from the Edgar Park Neighborhood Association and Campello Main Streets.
James Benson, Chairman of the Campello Main Streets Program and Parish Administrator, and the Reverend Jeffrey C. Johnson, Pastor and guest organist, along with volunteers from First Evangelical Lutheran Church, welcomed the walkers with a sing-along organ concert in the church, followed by cookies and milk. The walkers then stopped at the Campello Fire Station to greet the firefighters and thank them for their service. The walk ended back at the Huntington.
"We cannot thank all of the people and community groups enough that came together to make this event such a success," said Huntington School Principal MaryBeth O'Brien. "From our art teacher, to our parents, to Campello Main Streets and all of the volunteers who made this night a true community sharing experience, we are grateful. Special thanks to our School Police who helped keep us safe and controlled traffic, to the Brockton Recycle Center who loaned us reflective vests to wear. This walk was an important way for our students to feel connected to our community, to learn more about our neighborhood, and to observe how different groups can come together and work cooperatively to celebrate community service and pride. "
Participants plan to make this an annual event, and look forward to adding to the program. 