There is something about the town of Barrington, a small-town feel in an internet world. Every December, many of the major community organizations gather around in the “Village Center” to participate in the Barrington Soiree. The Soiree is a community open house, outdoors and indoors, a gathering of locals who eat, chat, view, and investigate many of the offerings that Barrington has.
As we wandered through the stores, each little corner revealed something different – from authors inside Calef’s to the Historical Society with their raffle inside the Edward Jones office and artists throughout the Christmas Dove. Outside featured bonfires and little talking spaces – at booths and around the town firetruck, where little kids were idolizing their heroes!
There are three central gathering places at the Soiree – Calef’s Country Store, the Christmas Dove, and The Village Barn. Local merchants this year also included American Dream Stables, Elf Made, the Florist at Barrington Village, KCob Plumbing and Heating, The Barrington Chamber of Commerce, the Barrington Local Artist Galler, ReFined Art, Citizens Bank, Great View Landscaping, Bellaviso Salon and Edward Jones Investments. There were 5 food trucks/tents: Lexie’s Burger Bus, Jeremy’s Roadside Barbecue, Kozy’s Pizza, Sausage Express, and the Barrington Recreation Department had a Cocoa and S’mores Tent. The Boy Scouts were selling Fried Dough Boys and Hot Cocoa, while the Girl Scouts offered hot cider. Each organization had something to do, buy or talk about!
Every booth had something to offer, from the Barrington Food Panty – giving away a free Santa picture with every donation received, to the Friends of the Barrington Public Library with raffle baskets. Other organizations represented included the Barrington Middle School with a Jazz Band performance on Calef’s porch, the Barrington PTA with its famous discount card, the Barrington Historical Society, Special Olympics, the Police Department and Fire Departments, Lion’s Club, End 68 Hours of Hunger, Barrington BYA and Blaze, the Elementary School, and Journey Church.
Everyplace we wandered last night had something to look at, explore and enjoy – running into old friends and meeting new people – the night was full of things to do. Next year is the 20th anniversary, so it will be a night to remember! If you plan on attending next year, bring some cash, gloves, warm shoes and appropriate weather gear – you will linger longer and enjoy the family-friendly community that Barrington has to offer.