Float Participation + Charitable Initiatives = Huge Success!
We are so thrilled to announce that Rapscallion’s mug members won first place in the float portion of the 2023 Spencer Parade of Lights! This year was Rapscallion’s third year participating in this event.
The Spencer Parade of Lights is a very special annual event where vehicles from Spencer, MA and surrounding communities come together to put on a spectacular light show during a two mile car crawl parade through town. The event attracts well over 100 entrants broken into four categories: Fire Truck, Float, ATV, and Jeep. Prior to the parade itself, which ends at Rapscallion’s Spencer Brewery & Taproom, the entrants are judged and prizes awarded.
2021
In the first year, mug member Chris Lindquist generously offered his mini truck for some Christmas wrapping! We designed the wrap and had it done locally, after which our incredible mug members got to work decorating it. The mini Christmas rig looked incredible, and mug members and staff enjoyed walking in the parade and all of the amazing warm wishes and fun exchanges with the incredible amount of people camped along the route!
2022
Last year, mug members caught the competitive bug and decided to really step up their game! Deciding on a Christmas Vacation-themed float, they held numerous planning meetings and building sessions at the brewery and eventually built what would become the Parade of Lights 2nd place float! Read about last year here.
2023
This year, our fun-loving mug members were adamant that they were going to win. And they also wanted to do a little bit more. Spearheaded by mug member Michelle LaRiviere, mug members decided they wanted to start a charitable arm of their membership, which is when Giving Trees came up. But first they had to decide on a theme, which “had to be iconic, something that people really connect with,” according to Michelle — and that let them to a Charlie Brown Christmas.
For several weeks before, mug members came together on a regular basis to design and build the float. The number of mug members who contributed significantly to the project are too numerous to list here, but suffice it to say we have the BEST mug members and they know who they are!
They built Snoopy’s doghouse complete with working propellor, Lucy’s full size psychiatrist booth, Pig Pen’s bass cello, and a giant Charlie Brown Christmas tree. They also decided on who would be playing which part, and who would be walking the parade.
At the same time, the team designed and sold Raps bracelets at the Spencer Brewery and Sturbridge Pub in an effort to raise money to help with costs and raise funds for a local charity. Also, mug members Tom and Karlene Lowkes stepped up and connected the Rapscallion team with Toys for Children Spencer, organized by ERA Key Realty. Toys for Children fulfills Christmas wish lists for Spencer children and teens who would otherwise not receive Christmas gifts, and in one short week, Rapscallion collected over 100 gifts for 15 children, completing their wish lists, much of which was clothing and other basic necessities. But of course mug members went the extra mile with their generosity and there should be some big smiles Christmas morning!
Finally, the float was done and mug members brought it to the parade where they were rewarded with a first place win! After all category awards were announced, the parade started and it was an incredible turnout on a beautiful 50 degree night!
There was an after-party at the Brewery where mug members hung their first prize plaque in the middle of the brewery. Mug members, staff, and guests alike enjoyed the evening and take great pride in our wonderful win.
Mug members have decided that their fundraising money will be split equally between the local food pantry and Toys for Children Spencer. And yes, they are already planning for next year! See all the photos below. Thank you so much to our wonderful mug members who continue to amaze us with their generosity and community focus each and every day.
