It's beginning to look like a special Yarmouth Christmas

It has become increasingly likely that the late American Broadway composer, Meredith Willson (“The Music Man”, 1957) did indeed pen the holiday standard, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” from his room in Yarmouth’s first Grand Hotel sometime between 1947 and 1951.

Robert White, 91, was the Front Desk Manager of the Grand Hotel of the time. “Yes, he was the guy who came in with the very large and dirty steamer trunk,” recalls Mr. White, although he is unsure of the year. “It had to be carted to the fifth floor of the hotel, and I remember the chambermaids were not too happy about the mess!”

The lyrics of the song make some pointed references to Yarmouth’s streetscape following World War II. The majestic old hotel, torn down in the late 1960s, always had a large Christmas tree in its lobby. Many of its picture windows viewed Frost Park, across the street, which is a relaxing stop overlooking the harbour for locals in all seasons.  And like many North American towns of the post-war era, there was a “five and dime” – a Woolworth’s store, midway down Main Street from the Hotel.

In  the first verse of the song, the line “Take a look in the five and ten glistening once again” is followed in the third verse with “There’s a tree in the Grand Hotel, one in the park as well; The sturdy kind that doesn’t mind the snow.”

On November 25, 2011 the Town of Yarmouth will pay homage to Mr. Willson and his song, which was included in his 1964 Broadway musical, “Here’s Love”. (The song achieved “holiday standard” status following this play, and has now been covered by dozens of singers over the years.)

Frost Park will be brilliantly illuminated by lights at 6:30 p.m. that evening, with carolers in period garb and complimentary beverages being offered. On Saturday, November 26 at 6:00 p.m., Main Street will also be the host of the annual Santa Claus Parade of Lights, further adding to the seasonal revelry.

Simultaneously, the Town of Yarmouth is embarking upon a holiday “shop local” campaign, including ads in media in neighbouring Shelburne and Digby Counties. A 2012 Yarmouth Business Guide and coupon supplement is due to be released on December 1; a Nova Scotia Trivia Challenge is scheduled following the illumination of Frost Park; a Gingerbread House Competition reaches its peak on December 8; and 15 area restaurants are taking part in the first “Lobster Splash” – offering their most popular and favourite lobster dishes for the week between December 17 and 24. Yarmouth’s annual lobster season begins on November 28.

For more information on events surrounding “It’s beginning to look a lot like a 250^th Christmas” during Yarmouth’s 250^th anniversary year, please go to www.yarmouth250.com or call Bruce Bishop, Destination Marketing Coordinator, at (902) 742-8946 or email [email protected] .