GRAFTON – On Saturday, December 13th at The John Henry Tavern in the Highlands Golf & Country Club, the 13th annual “Santapalooza” celebration will take place. From 6 to 11 PM, guests can expect an electrifying experience with live music, raffles, a buffet, holiday activities, a “Toys for Tots” drive, and more.
Santapalooza: Concert for a Claus is a charity benefit that was put together to raise cash and toy donations for the United States Marines, Toys for Tots foundation during the Holiday season. For twelve years, the benefit has raised thousands of dollars in cash donations, as well as thousands of toys.
In-person admission requires a $10 fee per person or a new and unwrapped toy of a minimum 10-dollar value. Tickets for the buffet are sold separately, with each ticket costing $10 per adult and $10 per child under twelve years old. Buffet tickets can be bought online by scanning the QR code on the event’s official flyer before the December 1st deadline.
Upon arrival, guests can expect a variety of foods for the buffet. Food items include baked stuffed chicken, beef short rib, garlic mashed potato, honey tarragon carrots, chicken tenders, french fries/tator tots, cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce, and Tiramisu. Outside of the baked stuffed chicken, all the foods listed are gluten-free.
Guests can also enjoy live performances from prolific local bands while enjoying the buffet. Musical artists include Scooter Hoot, The McCrites, Mark Manzella & Mike Oram, Runaway Radio, and Electric Flannel.
Between performances, kids can enjoy several holiday activities provided by the event. Activities include cookie decorating, photos with Santa Claus, and an Ugly Sweater Contest for all ages. The winner for the contest will be voted upon by U.S. marines invited to the Santapalooza event.
Along with contests, a 50/50 raffle will take place, with winners announced near the end of the event. The raffle table is loaded with prizes donated by local businesses and feature prizes such as gift cards, themed baskets, and much more. Questions regarding raffle tickets can be asked upon arrival, and the winners will be drawn near the 11 PM hour.
All revenue proceeds will go to the “Toys for Tots” foundation, and unwrapped toys donated by visitors will go to kids across the Central Massachusetts area.
For more information regarding this annual event, visit the Santapalooza Facebook page. The John Henry Tavern is located on 42 Magill Drive in Grafton.
