MATTAPOISETT — In Mattapoisett’s Shipyard Park, the community ate, drank and were merry during the town’s 15th annual Holiday in the Park event on Saturday, Dec. 5.

While the event was a great reason for people to come together, it also benefited the Mattapoisett Lions Club who collected canned goods and children’s toys for families in need. 

“We do this every year,” said Kimberly Ray, Lions Club president. “Following the event the toys will be delivered to the Mattapoisett Fire Department for distribution.”

Ray stood behind a table piled high with bags of canned goods, dolls, toys, basketballs and soccer balls. 

Catering provided by local staples like Ying Dynasty, 143 Market, On the Go, and more kept people fed. Meanwhile, holiday music played from the bandstand, courtesy of Old Rochester Regional Junior High School’s Merry Carolers. 

Santa and Mrs. Claus made an appearance as well, escorted to the park by the Mattapoisett Fire Department. 

Overlooking the entire event was the town’s Christmas tree, decorated with paper star ornaments made by Center School students. 

On each star, students wrote down their holiday wishes. “I wish for bunnies,” wrote one student. “I wish I will get a million presents,” wrote another. 

Jason Ruel, a Mattapoisett resident who attended the event with his wife Charissa and children Harry and Margot, said the event was a “nice tradition” that he always comes back to.

Other ornaments on the tree wished for things that can’t be found under the Christmas tree. “I wish for my hamster to be alive,” read one ornament. “I wish for everyone to be happy,” read another.