Christmas at Island Grove was an event that was put together by the Abington Celebrates organization as the “5th annual Christmas at Island Grove”. Even though Christmas at Island Grove still happened, what was held on Dec 4th, was actually different from what was planned.

Though Abington residents could meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, attend a holiday concert showcasing some of Abington and the South Shore’s best talent, and bask in the glow of the lights from the “Abington is LIT” tour, so much more was planned.

Abington Celebrates member Christie Coombs explained, “this year was an abbreviated version of what we’ve done the previous 4 years. We had to postpone from Saturday night to Sunday afternoon because of the awful weather. Although we were still able to provide a wonderful event for the residents of Abington, Saturday’s event would have included a hay ride, the Bubble Truck from Pick A Party Place, and a tree lighting on the Bandstand, as well as other giveaways like hot chocolate.”

If you didn’t get a chance to see this year’s scaled back events, don’t worry! Abington Celebrates is an all-volunteer organization that provides 2 other free events each year. In June, Abingtonians can look forward to Flag Day/Founders’ Day in June that includes weekend-long activities including Civil War encampment at the Grove and the return of fireworks behind the Frolio. In October, celebrate Oktoberfest Weekend with a family day (sponsored by the Jeff Coombs Memorial Foundation), a German Band, a farmers’ market and more.

Coombs added that community support is key for the events’ successes. “Abington Celebrates relies on donations and sponsorships from our very generous businesses to put on these amazing events. We work closely with town departments, with great support from Parks & Recreation, the DPW and Highway Dept., police and fire. Each year we look for new ways to offer something new or improve on the event from the previous year.”

Abington Celebrates is not the only organization that made Christmas at Island Grove happen for the 5th year in a row. Organizations such us The Abington Lions, American Legion Post 112, and the United Church of Christ (UCC) who put on the Ugly Sweater Party Murder Mystery.

Other sponsors such as the Abington Cub Scouts, the Jeff Coombs Memorial Foundation, the Jeremy Russell Foundation, Abington Parks & Recreation, First Baptist Church, Abington C.O.P.E.S., and Daughters of the American Revolution played a big role in getting some of  the attractions over the years.

Editor’s Note: Staff Writer, Alex Jernegan was a volunteer at this event