The 26th Annual Roslindale Tree Lighting, held last Saturday in Adams Park, saw a bigger crowd than usual this year – in part due to Small Business Saturday, a national campaign to support small merchants which Roslindale heartily embraced.

In addition to some merchants’ promotions, RVMS sponsored a free raffle for nearly $2,000 in gift cards and shopping sprees to support local small businesses. Raffle entries were collected in over 70 businesses, and the winners – 13 in all – were drawn at the tree lighting. Congratulations to Bernadette Connaughton, a longtime resident who won the grand prize of a $500 Roslindale shopping spree! Winning entries came from the following businesses: Blue Star Restaurant, Cafe Rialto, Diane’s Bakery, Fornax Bread Company, Itacol Communications, Sophia’s Grotto, Sullivan’s Pharmacy, Thrift Shop of Boston, Trethewey Brothers, and Wallpaper City. Thanks to all who participated!