For the first time in 18 years, Atkinson Resort and Country Club will not be hosting the Tree-Lighting event due to the COVID-19. 

This annual Tree Lighting celebration has been a long-loved tradition for Atkinson residents and the surrounding communities. My friends and I have many stored memories from this event, most of us have been going since preschool age, while we are currently seniors in High School. My family, living right down the street from the Atkinson Resort and Country Club is currently very heavy-hearted about this cancellation. It is a loss for children and parents considering the Atkinson Country Club also consists of an upstairs Tavern.  The Atkinson Resort and Country Club has made it very clear that their primary concern is for the health and safety of their employees, families, and many volunteers that make this event successful every year. The Atkinson Tree Lighting usually consists of hayrides, ice sculptures, cookie decorating, movies, raffles, and my favorite part, a hot chocolate station. The best part for the children is when Santa arrives on the firetruck he sings Christmas songs and counts down till the tree is lit up, followed by fireworks. Although the Atkinson Tree Lighting could not be held this year the Country Club is still gathering unwrapped toys that will be donated to Toys for Tots and non-perishable food items for those in need. Donations can be brought to the Atkinson Country Club lobby from November 27th through December 18th, 2020.

Another event in the Timberlane Regional District that was recently canceled was the Sandown Spooky Walk.  Every year Sandown Scout Troop 268 transforms the woods into a Halloween theme, and it is very sad that Sandown residents and outside communities were not able to venture through the woods for a Halloween activity.  Due to the rules and restrictions that COVID-19 has brought, this event could not be held, in hopes that it can return next fall of 2021 even better than before. 

In all four district towns Atkinson, Plaistow, Sandown, and Danville Halloween were a success and brought joy to a lot of young children in this community. As I gave out candy in Atkinson for Halloween it was such a nice thing to see kids dressing up and having fun considering the COVID-19 circumstances. Extra safety precautions were taking place during Halloween to make it all happen. 

As a kid growing up in this district events like these created so many childhood memories for myself and others. They are all really fun events for young kids to socialize and have a good time with their friends. I honestly could not imagine a childhood without a Tree- Lighting or a Halloween, it is what we looked forward to. I hope there are alternatives for events in the future so kids can still enjoy stuff like this while putting safety and health first. COVID-19 has had a huge impact on everyone’s lives, but it’s best to just try to stay positive. 

District-Wide Events:

• Atkinson Country Club Annual Tree Lighting- CANCELLED
• Sandown Spooky Walk- CANCELLED
• Trick or Treating -ALL TOWNS PARTICIPATED
• Danville Tree Lighting-NO WORD