WinterFEST Soup Social at the Hyde.

It was a full house at the Hyde Saturday evening for the annual WinterFEST Soup Social, a free community event sponsored by Spark Newton. Community members of all ages enjoyed hot soups, breads, cookies and ice cream served by Newton notables, including Mayor Marc Laredo. The single-digit temperatures outside weren’t an issue as friends old and new gathered in the toasty warm gym―thanks to a new heating unit installed in the fall―to enjoy delicious food, listen to live music by White Collar Crime, and say hello to Olaf from Frozen and Officer Leo, Newton Police Department’s beloved Community Resource/Comfort Dog.

Thank you to the local restaurants whose donations made this such a delicious gathering: Soup from O’Hara’s Food & Spirits, Dunn Gaherin’s Food & Spirits, New England Soup Factory, Grape Leaf, Rox Diner, Cabot’s, and Otake Sushi Bistro. Ice cream from Cabot’s.

Some photos from the event:

There was barely an empty seat at the 2026 WinterFEST Soup Social at the Hyde.

(L:R) State Rep. Greg Schwartz, Newton Mayor Marc Laredo, and Ward 5 City Councilor Julie Irish take a break from serving soup to talk with local residents.

A smooth leadership transition at the Hyde. (L:R) new Hyde Executive Director Helen Garity with former Hyde Executive Director John Rice, who is now Chief Community Services Officer for the City of Newton.

Olaf makes a new friend at the 2026 Soup Social at the Hyde.

White Collar Crime prepares to play their next tune.

State Rep. Amy Sangiolo grooves to the music provided by White Collar Crime.

The Hyde piano, “Keys to Imagination,” provides fun entertainment for kids while the band takes a break.