Holiday Happenings in and around Groton

As the holidays approach, the town and village of Groton offer opportunities to enjoy the season for young and old alike. This article is not inclusive of all events, but it captures some highlights.

The Groton Fire Department (GFD) has already kicked things off with its annual tree-lighting ceremony with Santa and Mrs. Claus, which took place Nov. 29. Another opportunity to see Santa and join him for breakfast, with pancakes, sausage, eggs and toast, will be from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14.

“The GFD historically did pancake breakfasts along with spaghetti dinners in our old station years ago,” GFD Chief Eric DeForrest said. “I am looking to bring those traditions back as we’re getting acclimated to our new building at 308 Main St. We decided a great way to continue showcasing [the building] to the public is with this breakfast, coupled with a visit from Santa. It’s a great opportunity to bring the community together, especially before the holidays.” 

DeForrest added that in recent years, the GFD relied on chicken barbecues and other fundraising events to help offset the cost of running and maintaining the department, and that “it’s time to get back to the roots of fundraising and add some excitement to it along the way. We’re excited for the opportunity to bring this back to our town and continue the legacy of the GFD.”  

If Santa isn’t for you but breakfast is, The Benn Conger Inn (the Benn) is offering breakfast to the public from 8 to 11 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday for the month of December. The Benn is also the place to begin the Groton Community and Business Association’s second annual Groton Holiday Tour, which will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 — a new tradition that began in 2023 when Christine Brennan and Kris Buchan wanted to add to Groton’s family-friendly holiday events.

“We have so many beautiful homes in Groton that go all out in decorating, and we wanted to share the joy with the community,” Brennan said. “We raised $1,000 for the Groton Food Pantry last year, and the feedback was fantastic from both the homeowners and those on the tour. There is so much history in these homes and colorful stories to share.”

This year’s tour includes four village homes and one outdoor light exhibition, as well as the Benn Conger Inn, the Groton Public Library (GPL) and the Groton Community Church, all decked out in their finest holiday décor.

Tickets are $10 for adults. Ages 12 and under are free. Tickets are available at https://holidayhousetour.ticketleap.com, or you may purchase tickets on the day of the event at the Benn. A $1.50 processing fee will be applied to the ticket cost.

The tour begins at the Benn, 206 W. Cortland St., where tickets can be picked up, along with a map of the properties on this magical journey through our community.

“Ticket holders will drive or walk to the properties on their own schedule,” Brennan said. “This year’s proceeds will go to the GPL Food Bank. Please join us for this festive occasion that supports a wonderful cause.”

Meanwhile, John and Beth Scott have been busy for months preparing their annual contribution to the joy of the season, Scottland Lights, at their home at 411 Peru Rd., a tradition since 2008. For the third consecutive year, the Scotts are accepting monetary donations to benefit the GFD via a donation box on the right-hand side of their driveway.

“We collected close to $600 for the fire department to help with the free firefighter kids camp last year,” John said, “and Beth and I decided we wanted our collections to go to them again this year.”

John was born with glaucoma. He eventually developed cataracts and ultimately suffered a retinal detachment resulting from cataract surgery, rendering him legally blind. He is grateful for help from members of his church, Groton Assembly of God. Matt Starner did some welding, and Lonnie Hinkle Sr. helped with cable work — things that John could not have done without them.

To experience the incredible Scottland Lights, pull your vehicle off to the side of the road, tune your car radio in to 89.7 on the FM dial, relax and enjoy — but please don’t block any driveways or enter the lawn area where the displays are.

The show runs daily through Sunday, Jan. 5, beginning at 5 p.m., and loops until 10:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, the music is Christian-themed. Monday and Wednesday play traditional Christmas songs, and Friday and Saturday shows offer a blend of both. Each show lasts approximately 60 minutes, with over 50 songs in the playlist.

Whether you live in Groton or come from miles around, the joy and the magic of hearing the Christmas music that syncs with the lights so perfectly may be just what you and your family might need to lift your spirits.

Groton on the Inside appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Submit story ideas toeditorial@vizellamedia.com or text or call Linda at 607-227-4922. 

In brief:

Holiday craft show

Stonehedges Golf Course, 549 Stevens Rd., will host a holiday craft show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, featuring all homemade or handmade goods from various vendors. Lunch is also available for purchase.

Groton Community Choir

Under the direction of Ginny Casey, the Groton Community Choir’s 74th musical presentation, “God’s Perfect Gift Wrapped Up For Us,” will take place at the following times and locations: 

• Friday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. at Groton Community Church, 204 E. Cortland St.
• Saturday, Dec. 7 at 1 p.m. at Brooktondale Baptist Church, 2311 Slaterville Rd., Ithaca
• Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. at Dryden Baptist Church, 138 Virgil Rd., Dryden
• Sunday, Dec. 8 at 3 p.m. at Groton Assembly of God, 701 S. Main St.

All locations are handicapped accessible. Light refreshments will follow each performance. There is no charge for the concerts, but freewill donations will be gratefully accepted to assist in purchasing music for future performances.

Choir members: Jackie Baxendell, Rebekah Cochran, Linda Competillo, Mike Competillo, Trudy Congdon, Serina Craig, Robyn Davis, Cheryl Dean, Connie Dickerson, Ellen Dovi, Brian Dyer, Pam Goodband, Steve Holmes, Kelly Hopkins, Rebecca Lanzilotta, Audrey Lowes, Donna Lyon, Amber Marshall, Kris Melford, Virginia Merihew, Theresa Moore, Brooke Ostrander, Will Ostrander, Bryan Parker, Donna Parker, Karen Phillips, Yvonne Poley, Art Pranger, Pete Rogati, Dave Stoner, Annette Twitchell, Brian Twitchell, Brooke Twitchell, Linda VanBerkom, Donna Vantine, Tory Walters, Hannah Wright, Joe Wright, Laurie Wright and Valorie Xenakis.

Children’s choir: Dakota Dickerson, Vivian Dickerson, Mikenna Parker and Cecilia Walters.

Crown City Brass will also perform.

Groton Community Cupboard

Groton Community Cupboard will be closed Christmas week. Please plan accordingly. It will be closed Dec. 22 through 28 and will reopen Sunday, Dec. 29.