Torrington’s Christmas Village entered is 77th year this season with a new addition: food trucks.
Debbie Cashma, who has been a volunteer for six years at Christmas Village, has taken a step forward with managing and organizing the opening day parade & Village Volunteers. Cashma states that the idea to add food trucks was influenced by the long lines during dinner time.
“This decision was ultimately made to benefit families. This gives those families who are waiting in line during the dinner hours to enjoy a meal and then not worry about having to rush home to get through dinner & homework, etc.”
Cashma explained that a number of local trucks agreed to be on site, including Batchy Brew, Brazilian Gula Grill, Hot Chix Chicken, Smash Pad, Hot Z’s Food Truck, Meraki, and The Taco Shack.
Cashma states that there has been backlash toward the gesture. “One of the comments we’ve been getting has been about the pricey food items, [which] is unusual for Christmas Village because it’s not within our historical image.” She explained that the event has always been cost-free for families, so the cost of the food trucks seemed out of place.
Despite this concern, the overall feedback has been positive. “Most people have just been enjoying the food while they are waiting.”
Christmas Village has been in Torrington, CT since 1947 when Carl Bozenski, Torrington’s Parks and Recreation Supervisor, invited Santa Claus to spend the three weeks before Christmas at the Alvord Playground. Along for the trip from the North Pole came Santa’s reindeer and a few of his elves. Children and adults have the opportunity to visit the village and meet the whole crew all through the month of December.
Overall, Christmas Village is a place for families to gather together and enjoy the bliss of the Christmas season. Cashma goes on to state that her favorite memory of the event is just seeing the families and the joy they have on their faces.
“I just really enjoy the faces of the visitors as they wander through the rooms. Joy, excitement, amazement, and just pure love and magic show in their eyes and smiles. Everyone is always so happy and friendly while in the Village and can forget their woes for just a few moments and enjoy the season.”
