By Chéye Roberson
Sentinel Contributor
The First Light Festival of Old Greenwich turned Sound Beach Avenue into a lively holiday scene with food, music, dancing and carriage rides, all provided by local stores and businesses.
Children were able to sit on Santa’s lap and ask for toys, eat cupcakes or donuts, ride a horse-drawn carriage, or dance the night away. The event, which took place Saturday night, included a coat drive to benefit Neighbor to Neighbor.
“It’s family oriented,” said Chris Kapsaroff, a Greenwich resident of 15 years. “The carriage rides were a big hit.”
Kapsaroff brought his four-year-old daughter with him. “There’s lots of food given out on the sidewalk, which is the only reason we’ve been able to stay here so long,” he said.
The horse-drawn carriage acted as a shuttle that took people down and back up Sound Beach Avenue.
“The horse ride was great,” said Kapsaroff. “She loved it and the fact that we went the whole way down. For little kids it’s a lot of fun, but it’s also kind of a game-changer because they don’t have to walk back. She started getting worn out, so that was a nice touch.”
Plenty of people gathered around the firepit outside of William Raveis Real Estate to enjoy s’mores and cider.
“We formed a committee and the committee thought that this would be a great idea,” said Vicki D’Agostino, operations manager at William Raveis. “We were able to get the firepit and all the s’mores makings, and it seems to be a big hit.”
A crew of employees and friends joined forces to supply the s’mores as quickly as they were demanded.
“We actually had to go and get more makings and we’re all having a good time,” said D’Agostino.
The Upper Crust Bagel Company turned its space into family oriented a dance hall, complete with strobe lights and a DJ.
“As you can see all the kids love to dance and eat the bagels and the salsa,” said Bob Guerrieri, Sr., who helps out at Upper Crust Bagel Company, which is owned by his son. “It’s right here. It gets cold outside but you can stay in here and have a good time.”
Top Cat were the DJs for the party at the deli, and they enjoyed bringing the party to Sound Beach Avenue.
“Kids are our favorite gigs. Because look at them—they’re too adorable,” said Deanna Crocco of Top Cat Entertainment, which she co-owns with her husband, Teague Crocco.
The atmosphere inside the Upper Crust encouraged kids and parents to dance and let loose.
“And here they go crazy, and they know they can get up on the countertops and dance,” said Crocco. “And it’s just a blast. And there’s a lot of people coming and going. And some people hang out.”
The owner of Images, Marcos Torno, had a great time hosting a musical performance inside his store.
“Love it,” Torno said. “Love seeing new customers, families, seeing carriages going up and down the street. It’s a real festive mood, and that’s the kick-off to the holiday season, so yes, I love it.”
Torno has been a part of the First Light Festival for the last 15 years.
J.D. Southard provided live music to customers at Images. “They are here of their own will, playing for free,” said Torno.
Torno likes having the opportunity to give back to the community.
“This is an event that we give back to clients,” he said. “It’s just a way of saying thank you for the support that we get throughout the year.”
