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'Tis the Season in West Hartford

By Amanda Raus

| Thursday, Dec 3, 2009 | Updated 11:30 PM EST

Carriage rides like this one led thousands to West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square for the annual Holiday Stroll.

Decked halls brought thousands to West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square for the annual Holiday Stroll.

"We've just been strolling around the block here and kids are excited seeing Santa," said Michael Pieri of West Hartford.

Santa was the man who took center stage. He and Mrs. Claus took a trip down from the North Pole to greet little ones and hand out candy canes. Another popular attraction was the horse drawn carriage.

"I've seen a carriage ride that I really want to go on," said Annalisa Vance of West Hartford.

"It's a good time everyone is having fun. There are activities it's a good time to get out this time of season," added Rich Vance.

Some of the local restaurants handed out free food so people could sample what's on the menu. At the Cheesecake Factory, peppermint bark cheesecake and pumpkin cheesecake were the two featured.

"Cookies on LaSalle Road at Coldwell Bankers, over here Mr. Rizzuto with his pizza. We just had chili over at the Counter Burger," said John Barr, who sampled his share of goodies.

But best of all, were all the people walking around and getting into the holiday spirit.

"This is the greatest thing that happened to West Hartford. Because you get to meet all kinds of people, people you haven't seen in years," said Barr.