49th Christmas Village welcomes hundreds of families

The 49th Christmas Village at Laconia Community Center welcomed hundreds of families on Friday night. Over 1,400 people attended over the four days, a little less than last year. Volunteer Skip Hounsell said the decrease in attendance is not alarming. Fluctuations in each year's attendance can be caused by a number of things, including the child population getting older. Next year's 50th anniversary event is expected to have a higher number of attendees and volunteers. The volunteer-run event is supported by the city's parks & rec department, and accommodates families as well as senior citizens and those with physical disabilities.