The Hopedale Fire Walk (as we call it) was held on Saturday, December 7, 2024 in downtown Hopedale, MA.  The stroll takes place at many stops along Hopedale Street and the Community House, Bancroft Memorial Library, Hopedale Unitarian Church, Union Evangelical Church, and the Little Red Shop Museum.  This year, the Milford Masons and the Franklin Odd Fellows each had separate fire pits and were located at the Draper Gymnasium which is just across the street from the Hopedale Community House.

The weather, once again, was cold, damp and overcast, but William F. Ray members built our fire and stayed warm throughout the day and into the nighttime.  The gymnasium was packed with arts and crafts and (our favorite) Penuchi and chocolate fudge.  Vendor food trucks were always available and the Pizza shop was just across the lawn on Hopedale St.  We had great live music at our location for 3 hours from David Penza playing guitar and singing all your favorite tunes from his restored, vintage Volkswagen Bus.  We met a nice couple that took our picture that’s shown with this article.  Pictured sitting down with glasses is Paul Anderson.  Standing from left to right is Dave Labonte, Tim Walsh, Doug Wahl and Rob Knospins. The Town of Hopedale supplies firewood for this event and we very much enjoyed the day and the friendly residents of Hopedale.  We will continue to support this annual event as long as they will have us as their guests.