Poor weather conditions forced cancellations of the holiday tradition in December. Make-up dates are scheduled for Jan. 3-4, Jan. 10-11 and Feb. 14-15.
WETHERSFIELD, Conn. — The holiday season might be coming to a close, but there is more time to take part in a holiday tradition in Old Wethersfield.
Leaders had to cancel the free horse-drawn carriage rides several days in December because of the weather. But they will now be extended into the new year along with other festivities, and the hundreds of people expected to turn out will bring a boost to the local economy.
The new dates are Jan. 3-4, Jan. 10-11 and Feb. 14-15. The rides run from 12-3 p.m.
“It just adds that element, with the horse and carriages, that it’s a perfect New England wintertime event,” said Wethersfield town manager Fred Presley. “That fact that they’re free makes it open for everyone to enjoy downtown.”
Keeping family fun free has been a priority for town leaders planning events in Old Wethersfield, and it’s been made possible by a grant from the state government.
Allyn Miller, owner of Double M Ranch, has been running the carriage rides with his teams of draft horses for the past three years.
“I enjoy the kids who have never seen a horse, or been close enough to go take a picture with one,” Miller said. “The smiles it creates, and the memories it creates for them, young and old.”
Susannah Marchese, front of house manager at Heirloom Market, noted the complimentary hot cocoa “with an in-house made marshmallow or a hot soup or a nice lunch.”
“It’s been very good for business,” Marchese said.
Rides can be picked up at First Church on the Saturday dates and at the Broad Street Green on Sundays. Organizers estimate that up to 300 people come out to ride the carriages alone, along with others who visit for the atmosphere.
“There’s lines up and down the church parking lot, and it’s really great for economic development,” said Bryce Hardy, owner of The Charles. “I think anything that showcases our town, what better way to enjoy winter than on a carriage behind horses.”
Miller’s horses are powerful animals but gentle enough to let people pet them. He rescued some out of situations of neglect.
While he started his business as a hobby, it took off running with a busy year-round schedule topped by the holiday season.
“I thought that I would start doing this as a retirement thing, and it’s turning into much more than a retirement. I don’t think I’ll be able to retire, I’ll be busy doing this,” Miller said.
More information about the rides can be found here.
Tim Littau is a Multi-Skilled Journalist at FOX61 News. He can be reached at tlittau@fox61.com.
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