With limited town meetings this week, (the only government gathering listed on the Secretary of State’s website is for the Pascoag Fire District – agenda found here) and regular events cancelled due to COVID-19, NRI NOW will focus on holiday-related items in this week’s Five Things to Know in Burrillville.
Town services
Town Hall will be closed starting at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 24, and will be closed on Friday for Christmas Day.
There will be no trash and recycling pickup on Friday, and pickup will be delayed one day for the remainder of the week.
Jesse Smith Memorial Library will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Pascoag Public Library will be open Thursday on Christmas Eve from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on Christmas Day.
Christmas light displays
Burrillville residents have gone all-out decorating this year, and while there are fantastic Christmas displays to see on virtually every street in town, there are some can’t-miss neighborhoods where certain homes really shine, or where nearly every house on the road is decked to the max – and pictures just don’t do them justice.
For those in search of a little Christmas magic, a holiday cruise is in order, and the following houses and streets are worth the trip: Crystal View Drive, George Eddy Road, Maple Lane, 260 Douglas Pike, Sayles Avenue, Victory Highway (Oakland,) Maureen Circle, Gazza Road, Jackson Schoolhouse Road and Central Street.
Holiday activities
Holiday parties might be cancelled, but those in search of some Christmas-focused fun do still have some options in Burrillville.
On the trails by Burrillville Middle School, physical education teachers have set up the annual Christmas Tree scavenger hunt. Just head down the trail that starts to the right of the administration building to find the directions and the first tree.
Jesse Smith Library is also offering holiday activities this week. On the grounds outside the library, take a winter walk and play the “Holiday Seek & Find,” with a search for 15 glowing candy canes, eight snowflakes, a decorated tree, an Olaf from Frozen and Reindeer Tinky.
To celebrate the New Year, eight party hats have also been hidden outside front portion of the library.
The library’s grab and go children’s craft for the week is a gingerbread house door hangers. To reserve yours, call the Children’s Department at 710-7800 .
Library staff will also host Virtual Story Times all week with a schedule as follows: Monday, Dec. 21, 6:30 p.m. The Polar Express; Tuesday, Dec. 22, 6:30 p.m. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (with special guests); Wednesday, Dec. 23, 11 a.m., Snowmen at Night; and Thursday, Dec. 24, 6:30 p.m. The Night Before Christmas. To hear children’s librarian Miss Jenn read the Christmas classics, visit the Jesse Smith Facebook page.
Ring the Bell
In case you missed the viral post, residents across the country will step outside their homes at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve and ring a bell for two minutes to help Santa fly his sleigh.
The effort aims to make a it memorable Christmas Eve for children following a difficult year, and many Burrillville residents have vowed to take part.
Santa in Harrisville
Speaking of Christmas Eve, reliable sources have confirmed that Santa himself plans to ring a bell at the town gazebo in Harrisville on Thursday night. While distancing guidelines mean that the jolly old man’s lap will be off-limits, residents may be able to take a picture in front of Santa standing a short distance away.
