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11/23/2021 02:14 PMLooking for an event close to home for the whole family that will get everyone in the holiday spirit? Check out the Saybrook Starlight Festival on Saturday, Dec. 4.
The Starlight Festival is a new event that the town hopes will become a regular mark on resident’s calendars. The event begins at 9 a.m. and will run until dark. The day includes story time at the Acton Library, a 5K, an ornament decorating workshop, a giving tree for families in need, a chance to meet Santa on the green, and the lighting of the Heroes’ Tree and the Starlight Fundraiser.
Heather McNeil of the Old Saybrook Youth & Family Services Department explained that the Starlight Fundraiser consists of paper stars on which residents can write messages. The stars will then be attached to lights that will be lit around 4:30 p.m. as darkness falls. Stars can be bought for $20 in the Youth & Family Services Office at 322 Main Street as well as on the green the day of the event.
“We’ve been trying to think of something that could help rebuild a sense of community,” Economic Development Director Susan Beckman explained.
Beckman pointed out that due to COVID-19 and the rising case numbers that the area was seeing at this time last year, many community events were canceled and many families that hold big holiday gatherings were forced to scale theirs back. By holding the event, Beckman said she was hopeful that more people would get out and have a return to normalcy.
“The response has been overwhelmingly positive. We had a great response from town organizations and departments,” Beckman said.
One unique aspect of the day is that every event isn’t only about fun, but also supporting good causes. For example, one event that will be held is a giving tree where toys, hygiene products, socks, gloves, mittens, and games will be collected for those in need. The drive runs from Monday, Nov. 29 to Thursday, Dec. 16 at the Old Saybrook Police Department.
Another fun event planned for the day is the stocking walk, where the first 100 people can purchase a stocking from the Chamber of Commerce for $5, then visit about 20 participating businesses on Dec. 4 where they will receive a stocking stuffer.
“It’s a chance to make sure people have the opportunity to come out and be together and a chance to shop local too!” Beckman said.
Beckman pointed out that one of the goals of the day is to encourage people to support local businesses as the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Last, at night before the starlight ornaments are hung, the Heroes Tree will be lit.
“It’s a tree that put up every year to honor military service,” Beckman explained.
State, federal and local dignitaries, along with local veterans, The American Legion, VFW, the Westbrook Elks, members of the U.S. Coast Guard, Gold Star families and the Patriot Guard Riders Flag Line and Honor Guards, will gather at 5 p.m. for the annual lighting of the town and state’s first official “Heroes Tree” at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center at 300 Main Street in Old Saybrook.
Though this is only the first year for the Starlight Festival, Beckman said she hopes it can become an annual tradition.
“I’m looking forward to the whole thing. I hope this can be every year thing,” said Beckman.