To the editor:

This month marks the end of my second term as General Chairman of the Bristol Christmas Festival Committee. It has been my privilege and pleasure to lead the remarkable group of people who make up Bristol’s Christmas Festival Committee.

First and foremost, I would like to thank our volunteers and supporters. Sometimes we forget how fortunate we are to live in a community among so many dedicated and generous residents. Thank you for your support.

We all know how difficult these past two years have been. But despite the challenges, our volunteers have always managed to create nothing less than Hallmark movie moments. I am humbled by their sacrifices and commitment to bring the joy of the season to our community.

In many ways, the pandemic allowed us to improve our events. Before COVID, our Christmas Story Time was held in person and limited to 30 attendees. But in 2020, we were unable to hold the event in person. So, we pivoted to hosting a live broadcast on Facebook. With the event now online, hundreds of viewers from all over the country tuned in to view members of the Bristol Fire and Rescue read from their favorite Christmas classics. This format has become so popular that it is now a regular event.

That same year, the Christmas Festival Committee launched Santa’s Workshop — a Live Window Display at the corner of Hope and State Street. Each day, the lines to see Santa and Mrs. Claus extended down Hope Street, past Franklin Street. Families from all over the state stood in line for hours, sometimes in the rain, to sneak a peek of Santa Claus in his workshop busy working on his Naughty and Nice list.

And this past year, we saw literally thousands visit Bristol to experience our first annual European-style Christmas Market. Visitors from as far as Maine and New York City traveled to our beautiful little town that weekend to experience an old-fashioned Christmas.

During the past four years as General Chairman, I was fortunate to have the support of our Town officials. I am tremendously grateful to our Town Administrator, Town Council members, and our Town Clerk for their continued support.

I would also like to thank the Bristol Police Department, Fire and Rescue, and DPW for their level of responsiveness and devotion to public safety. Thank you so much for all that you do.

Lastly, I would like to thank YOU. Our community. Together, we managed to get through two very difficult seasons. You stepped up to love your neighbor in tangible ways and I believe that this has only further strengthened our sense of community.

“Remember. The true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart." 
- The Polar Express.

Michael Rielly

Bristol Christmas Festival Committee