By Marisa Dawson
The Bennington Community Foundation brought holiday cheer to families throughout the community with its annual Santa Visit at Bennington Elementary School this afternoon. From 1 to 3 p.m., families filled the school to visit with Santa, enjoy hot cocoa provided by the Foundation and receive goodie bags. Adding to the festive atmosphere, choirs from Bennington High School performed holiday carols throughout the event under the direction of choir teacher Tye Hanke.
Tim Clark, President of the Bennington Community Foundation, emphasized the longstanding tradition and purpose of the event. “It has been at least 15 plus years that the Foundation has hosted the Santa Visit,” he noted. Clark highlighted what makes the event special, stating, “It’s just bringing the community together and seeing the kids enjoy being around Santa and talking with Santa. Our Santa is fantastic.” This could be seen with how Santa took his time talking with each child, trying to find ways to connect and make magical memories.
The contributions of the high school choirs were a key element in creating the holiday ambiance. Clark explained, “We are very fortunate to have the high school choir come. Tye and his group that he leads, they’ve been doing this with us for many years. Just to have the carols in the background, I think it provides a really good atmosphere.” Hanke himself recently expressed the broader significance of his students’ performances: “Our goal is to make life long memories while developing musical skills they can take with them and use the rest of their life.” They certainly added to making those memories with families in Bennington today!
For Clark, the event’s value to the community lies in its ability to foster connection and accessibility. “I think it provides a safe, free, open event that brings the community together,” he said. “There’s so many people in the community now, and to have an event like this and see new faces is just great.”
The Santa Visit exemplified the spirit of togetherness that defines the holiday season in Bennington, offering families a cherished opportunity to create memories in a welcoming environment.
*Photos by Marisa Dawson
