Residents of Crawford heard bells jingle, indulged in seasonal sweets, and felt magic in the air last Saturday, December 2, during the town’s annual Country Christmas and Holiday Celebration.

The Pine Bush First Friday Committee, a nonprofit organization run by members of the town and Pine Bush’s Chamber of Commerce, opened the festivities with its monthly First Friday in Crawford Square, held on Saturday instead of Friday to align with the day’s other activities. Between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., residents enjoyed free refreshments and purchased wares from local vendors.

“We’re really busy, and it’s going to get busier with the tractor parade,” said Linda Nilon, a member of the committee. “Couldn’t ask for a better day.”

“It’s been good so far, everyone’s been really nice,” said Jacob Kocha, a vendor who sold 3D-printed models and artwork at the event.

“I really like First Friday, it gives residents a chance to meet with small and local businesses,” said Amy Stillwaggon, a member of the Chamber of Commerce.

Around 3:15 p.m., a tractor parade rumbled through Main Street, comprising 114 vehicles adorned with holiday lights and decorations. Santa and the Grinch even made appearances, waving to residents as they drove by.

The fun continued at 5:15 p.m. at the Pine Bush Ambulance Corps’ meeting building, where Boy Scout Troop 37 led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by performances from Not Just Country Line Dancers. At 5:30 p.m., the ambulance corps’ Christmas Tree illuminated, stirring applause and amazing the crowd with its lights display.

The evening winded down inside the ambulance corps’ building, where residents donated toys to Crawford’s Toys for Tots and received free books from the Pine Bush Central School District. Pine Bush Lions Club also handed out cookies and cocoa, hosted arts and crafts, and gave children another chance to talk with Santa, capping off a day filled with holly jolly merriment.

“I think it’s great, I remember coming to it when I was in high school. It got much bigger,” said Ashlynn Kelly, a Pine Bush resident enjoying the celebration with her friends. “Everyone gets out and interacts with everyone.”

“I thought it was the best one so far. It had our best turnout,” said Town Supervisor Charles Carnes. “The town, Lions Club and everyone worked together nicely to put on one of the best Christmas celebrations in town.”