Realtors bring horse and carriage rides, plus Santa, to Railroad Green

WARWICK — Families again came out in record numbers this past Sunday to enjoy a popular and traditional holiday event in the Village Park at Railroad Green. Each year during the holiday season, the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce arranges to have Santa in his sled and free horse and carriage rides, courtesy of participating Realtors. Santa, as usual, was happy and willing to hear special requests and pose for photos next to him in his sled. Crowds also lined up for a horse & carriage ride through downtown Warwick and everyone appeared to enjoy the event which included refreshments served by members of Brownie Troop 756. The horse and carriage, operated by Castle Carriage Service of Poughkeepsie, is actually a horse-drawn omnibus wagon, equipped with seats along both sides and steps in the rear. The wagon is pulled by a team of stately black Percheron horses and can seat up to 20 passengers. Santa’s sleigh in the Village Park inspires a timely historical footnote. In 1997 Doris Schwartzberg, whose husband Moshe was one of the businessmen instrumental in creating a holiday season display at Railroad Green, designed an all-new sleigh for Santa. Moshe Schwartzberg, owner of Forever Jewelers, offered funding and an extra pair of hands while Doug Tinnirello provided the carpentry expertise. His father, contractor John Tinnirello, by the way, had built the wooden Menorah now on display in Lewis Park. And every year, Moshe Schwartzberg officiates at the lighting of that Menorah on the first night of the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah. Michael Johndrow, executive director of the Warwick Chamber, said the horse and wagon rides, which are free to the public, cost $1,500 for the one day. Realtors who contributed to Santa’s visit and the free horse and carriage rides were Century 21 Mystic Valley, Claudia Vaccaro Real Estate, Coldwell Banker, Country Living, Deer Crossing, The Green Team, Prudential Rand, RE/MAX Benchmark, Regal Homes, US Preferred and Warwick Grove. This year’s volunteer Santa was Dr. Barry Sussner.