Wassailing happens in Richland once again

Wassailing was held Thursday, December 6 in Richland. Wassailing is often referred to as Richland’s annual open house because from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. most of the local businesses had their doors open for the community to come in and enjoy free refreshments and entertainment.

“I liked all the decorations and lights that were put up around town,” said Kylee Chaffin, a junior at Gull Lake High School who goes Wassailing every year.

The town twinkled from head to toe for the event, with Christmas lights and Santa decorations brightening up Richland. In the Richland Park people were able to find the most anticipated attraction, the reindeer. People of all ages were able to stop and admire Santa’s reindeer. The Kalamazoo Barber Shop Chorus once again performed at the Little Yellow Frame Shop and Gallery. The Gull Lake High School band and chorus also performed during wassailing at the Richland Community Library. Businesses were handing out free food; one such business is Prudential Preferred Realtors, who handed out cookies and soup for the public.

“My favorite place to go during Wassailing is Liz’s Café. Last year they gave out free hot chocolate,” Chaffin said. “Most of the businesses through out Richland have something they give out. I can’t remember one place that didn’t have some kind of refreshment or entertainment.”

In the Richland Square the Ryan Chorus and Singers performed for the audiences. Along with the caroling of the third, fourth and fifth graders in the square, the local Boy Scout Troup was selling Christmas trees and holiday wreaths.

With free food and entertainment, Wassailing was a great way to begin the month of December and to get in the holiday spirit for people of all ages.

By Katie Curtenius

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