Squirrels cause date change for Braintree celebration

BRAINTREE, Mass. -- Squirrels eating habits have caused Braintree Town Hall to reschedule their holiday celebration.

"We found ourselves in a bit of a nutty situation. But we’re working through it," said Braintree Mayor Joseph Sullivan.

Squirrels nibbled through the holiday lights strung around the Braintree Town Hall trees. Officials discovered half the lights weren’t working just days before the town hall’s holiday celebration, which was scheduled for Sunday.

"It’s a big deal in the town and it’s a nice thing for the kids, so hopefully they’ll get it fixed," said a townswoman.

"I don’t know, maybe they are hungry," said a townsman.

This was the first time Braintree had left the holiday lights up year round in an effort to save time and money.

The mayor said he watched the squirrels crawling around the trees all summer long, but he had no idea they were dining on the town’s holiday lights.

"I just figured they were gathering nuts for the winter. I didn’t know that they were biting though our Christmas lights," said Mayor Sullivan.

"I think the electrician or whoever is in charge should get on that and fix it," said one person.

The mayor said they have learned their lesson.

"Those squirrels can be pretty aggressive, so after we have our Christmas lights up through early January we’ll take the lights down this year," said Mayor Sullivan.

Mayor Sullivan said this would not dampen Braintree’s holiday spirit. New lights have been ordered and the ceremony has been scheduled for a week later.

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