Grace Church is seen behind the the lights of the Merry Maple.
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Friday evening’s Merry Maple Celebration brought out the crowds, despite the postponement and the frigid temperatures. On the Common, Santa Claus and the UMass marching band capped off the expanded festivities, and the Merry Maple twinkled brightly.
The Middle School chorus serenaded the crowd with holiday songs on the front steps of Town Hall.
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Santa Claus arrived not by sleigh, but by fire truck, to the delight of many.
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An elf gets a ride in the Muddy Brook Farm horse carriage.
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Members of the UMass band decorated themselves and their instruments for the occasion.
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The Drum line was particularly festive. How they didn't all lose their fingers to frostbite is a mystery.
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The Hawaiian shirts were an interesting touch, but temperatures were definitely more North Pole than South Pacific.
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Strung with lights, the maple was merry indeed.
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-- Stephanie O'Keeffe
