For the first time in three years, Christmas revelers were able to sing and be festive outdoors in the Fifth Annual Community Christmas Carol Sing-Along, on the Great Lawn of the picturesque Saint Margaret's Shrine in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
The annual event, which is slowly becoming a popular fixture on the local calendar, took place on Sunday, December 11, at 3:00 PM on a brisk sunny day.
Bishop William Lori of the Diocese of Bridgeport, pictured below, attended and warmly greeted the crowd. Reverend Alfonso Picone, of the host parish, mentioned the ongoing restoration work being done at the shrine, a lovely destination for all who wish to visit and worship there.
Following the clergy, Leonard Paoletta, a former Bridgeport mayor and the founder of the event's sponsor, B.A.C.I.O., Inc., welcomed everyone to both the sing-along and the free reception held afterward directly across the street, at the Circolo Sportivo building.
Andrew Warde classmate Tony Procaccini, pictured above in the suit jacket singing, developed the music program for the sing-along at its 2007 inception, and conducted all previous sing-alongs. This year, however, he took a back seat to a talented young percussionist and composer, Brian Ente of Bridgeport. Ente studied at Ithaca College, has performed extensively nationally and internationally, teaches at the Jim Royle Drum Studio in Bridgeport, and is in great demand locally for his skills.
The children also enjoyed the day as Santa Claus, as if by miracle, dropped in about half-way through the performance. He, too, greeted the crowd and mingled until it was time to move on to the reception.
A great time was had by all, and this writer thanks all who participated and helped in this annual endeavor.
Tony Procaccini
AWHS 1976
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