Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Stroll a ‘celebration’ of Hopkinton businesses, community

FILE PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

The Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Holiday Stroll in town this Saturday, with the day culminating in the tree lighting and caroling at the Town Common.

“It’s a great celebration of … all the wonderful businesses we have in town and the community groups celebrating together,” said Kelly Grill, executive director for the Hopkinton Center for the Arts.

Grill, who chairs the event, stated that 26 Hopkinton business are participating this year. Community members are encouraged to visit each of the businesses on this year’s list and get their Holiday Stroll passport stamped along the way. Those who complete their passports have the chance to win a $300 cash prize.

Grill noted that the HCA will be running its holiday marketplace at the Town Common again and is bringing back its festival of light program from last year. There will be carriage rides and an ice sculpture demonstration at the Town Common as well.

Also at the Town Common, the Girl Scouts will have vendors, and the group’s caroling program will start at 2 p.m.

The day culminates in Santa’s arrival and the Girl Scouts holiday tree lighting. Holiday lights around the Town Common also will be lit — something recently made possible thanks to a community-led fundraising effort.

“We’re really happy with the community coming forward to have the lights on the common again,” remarked Grill.

New this year are programs run by the John Warren Masonic Lodge. Grill explained that the stroll used the lodge’s Main Street location for vendors last year. Since then, the Masons have become Chamber of Commerce members and are opening more space for holiday programs.

The lodge is offering a free child identification kit program during the Holiday Stroll, which provides parents “with a complete portable biometrics kit on a take-home USB stick.” Santa will be reading “The Night Before Christmas” at noon and 2 p.m. at the lodge as well.

The Holiday Stroll goes from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday. Grill recommended reviewing the Chamber of Commerce website for more information on participating businesses and vendors.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

This week’s Baypath Adoptable Animal is Kipper, a senior dog who loves being with his people and enjoys the company of other dogs.

Pamela Boulter, 71, passed away Nov. 25. She was a graduate of Hopkinton High School.

Brenda Sulfaro, 81, a former resident of Hopkinton, passed away Nov. 27.

Dolores Sables. 88, formerly of Hopkinton, passed away Nov. 28.

The latest Professional Insights from Edward Jones financial advisor Mark Freeman details how individuals should consider managing investment risks at different life stages.

Town meetings tonight include the Sustainable Green Committee (6), Planning Board (7) and Trustees of the School Fund (8).

Photo of the Day

A volunteer prepares some Christmas decorations at the Senior Center Holiday Sale on Nov. 21.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO