Stockbridge — The early morning low temperatures and icy streets of December 6 didn’t deter Berkshire County residents from heeding a call to turn out and show the nation why Stockbridge holds the honor of housing one of the country’s merriest Main Streets.
From Tiny Tim to The Big Man and his bride, locals created quite a festive scene as NBC’s “Today Show” hosted by Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie broadcast from the front of The Red Lion Inn, courtesy of affiliate NBC 10 Boston’s evening anchor Priscilla Casper. The production was the first in a series from the network’s long-running news show highlighting America’s most festive Main Streets during the holiday season.
For Margit Hotchkiss, chief marketing officer of the Norman Rockwell Museum and a member at large of the Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the morning’s exuberant vibe was “heartwarming.” She organized the event along with Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Barbara J. Zanetti. “This is just fabulous,” Hotchkiss said of the large turnout. “It embodies the spirit that Norman Rockwell created in his artwork, and the sense of community is amazing. Everyone is so fired up and keeping each other warm. We’re just having a ball. This is what the holidays are all about.”
She noted the attention the program gave to the Stockbridge community and that it will “hopefully bring lots of people to enjoy all of our arts and culture, the museums and our wonderful libraries, stores, businesses, winter lights, and Christmas carols.”
A video of the live shot can be found below:
Dressed in period attire, Cummington’s Kristin Jay enjoyed the festivities from The Red Lion Inn’s expansive porch along with her three-year-old Corgi, Medraut. “This is Christmas to us,” she said.
Pittsfield’s Ellen Swan Mazzer and Lanesborough’s Ken Schelling posed as Santa and Mrs. Claus in front of the iconic classic car from Rockwell’s painting “Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas,” the namesake for the town’s annual celebration held the first weekend in December. The couple has portrayed the symbols of Christmas on Main Street for the past two years and “were thrilled to be invited to welcome NBC here,” Mazzer said.
Amanda Barcenas, proprietor of Prado de Lana sheep farm, brought “Hazel” to the taping adorned with antlers, proving to be a favorite among the children in attendance. The farm boasts about 50 sheep raised mainly for wool. “She’s just always been the one that’s the ‘welcome wagon,’ super friendly, loves being a part of all the fun,” Barcenas said of Hazel.
Riley Anderson, marketing and communications coordinator at the Norman Rockwell Museum, carried a sign emblazoned with “Rockwell Rocks the Vote.” “We need to represent [Norman] Rockwell because he was the one who made the street famous,” she said.
Grace Lillie appeared in full costume on behalf of Berkshire Theatre Group’s “A Christmas Carol,” singing to the crowd indoors as well as being a part of the outside taping. “I’m just so proud of what we do and the story we share with everyone,” she said.
With glittery red accoutrements, Stockbridge’s Jay Stewart and Terry Montgomery said they wouldn’t miss the festivities. “It’s exciting, and how many times do you get a chance to do this,” Montgomery said.
“It’s very festive and that’s what it’s all about,” Stewart said. “We need that now.”
Richmond eighth grader Brett Codwisc traded a little tardiness for the start of the school day for being a part of the celebration. “It’s not all of the time there’s a live news crew in the Berkshires,” he said. Accompanied by his grandmother Connie Broggi, who traveled that morning from Mill River, the two met up with Lenox resident Mary Ellen Brennan and Ginny Falkoff, a Michigan transplant.
“I love the Berkshires,” Falkoff declared. “It’s gorgeous, and Stockbridge is the prettiest Christmas town in the United States.”
Correction: An earlier version of this article listed that Jenna Bush Hager hosted the Today Show from Stockbridge.
