SOUTHAMPTON — The town will kick off its 250th anniversary year with two inaugural events on New Year’s Day.
Residents are invited to start the day with a guided hike to the summit of Pomeroy Mountain. Registration is required as there is a 30-person limit, with preference given to town residents.
Meet at Town Hall at 9 a.m. to car pool. Hikers will enter via Westhampton, over private property, with the owner’s permission. The hike is 2-3 miles round trip with a 300-400 foot elevation gain. The hike returns to Town Hall by 11:30 a.m.
Hikers are encouraged to wear layers, hats and gloves, and to bring water. Poles and microspikes or cleats are recommended. Questions or to register, text Cindy Palmer at 413-320-1312.
Then at 11:45 a.m., families are invited to gather on the front lawn of the First Congregational Church to hear about the town’s founding and to acknowledge its Native American origins, followed at noon by ringing of the church bell 250 times.
To warm up, a light lunch of homemade soups and artisan breads, coffee and cider will be served inside the church.
The events begin a year-long celebration of Southampton’s milestone anniversary.
HOLYOKE — First Night Junior at Holyoke Heritage State Park returns on Saturday for a family-friendly event that will allow children to ring in the new year with a party built just for them.
The annual; celebration hosted by the Children’s Museum at Holyoke, Holyoke Merry-Go-Round, International Volleyball Hall of Fame, and Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Holyoke Heritage State Park, 221 Appleton St.
Entry to all three hosting organizations and included activities is $10 per individual ticket or $35 for a family four-pack. The ticket buys unlimited Merry-Go-Round rides, admission to The Children’s Museum, live entertainment and guided activities, and a New Year’s ball drop at 12:50 p.m.
Tickets are available online through Thursday, after which tickets are available at the door while supplies last.
For more information about First Night Junior and to buy tickets, visit holyokemerrygoround.org/tickets.
HOLYOKE — The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke has selected James (Jim) Meenaghan as the 52nd recipient of the Gallivan Award.
The Daniel J. Gallivan Award recipient is a long-standing member of this Association who, while not a resident of the city of Holyoke, has made significant contributions to the overall success of the St. Patrick’s Parade and/or our Association. Daniel Gallivan was from South Hadley and was a longtime member of the St Patrick’s Committee.
Since joining the committee in 1976, Meenaghan has spent over four decades demonstrating an unwavering commitment to its mission. Early in his involvement, he worked to build the stage and sets for the annual Grand Colleen Pageant and fashion show at the War Memorial building in downtown Holyoke. He also played a key role in transforming the Holyoke Mall parking lot into the Irish Village for the Celtic Festival.
In 1991, Meenaghan served as president of the committee, leading with vision and dedication. He has been a cornerstone of parade operations, organizing assembly activities in the KMart lot to ensure a smooth start to Parade Day.
Meenaghan will be honored at the Coronation Ball and Awards Dinner on Feb. 15. Tickets and more information are available online at holyokestpatricksparade.com.