There are so many thank yous to everyone who helped organize Santa's visit and the VIRTUAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION which is being held in lieu of the annual downtown holiday tree lighting countdown on Friday, November 27, at 5:45 p.m.
First, a huge thank you to the members of Scout Troop 431, who has for many years tested all the lights that are placed in the Downtown Ridgefield trees, and Shock Electric in Danbury who made the time to hang all the holiday lights. Other thank yous include town employees Jake Miller and Brian Hubbard, former Downtown Ridgefield business owner, Mike Liberta, and Dave Palmer of Ridgefield Auto Upholstery.
Another thank you to the American Legion Post 78 veterans and the Legion Senior baseball players who decorated the lamp posts throughout downtown in preparation for the holidays. They also received assistance from two Marines from Fairfield County.
Although there will be no in-person activities, an exciting event is planned that people will be able to view in several ways:
• Comcast - Channel 24
• Youtube CHANNEL - Town of Ridgefield, CT - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiiOoh-Q3JsHHsorYDFYeHg
• The Town Website on BoxCast available here - https:///board-selectmen/pages/meeting-videos>
Ira Joe Fisher will return as Master of Ceremonies along with other participants including First Selectman Rudy Marconi, Sarah Grossman from the Chamber of Commerce and Mary Jones from Downtown Ridgefield. While the lights on Main Street are already lit, ten-year-old Conner Curran, his twin brother Kyle and eight-year-old brother William will “pull the holiday switch” during the virtual event to officially kick off Ridgefield’s Holiday season.
Additionally, ACT, the Ridgefield High School Choir, the Ridgefield High School Orchestra, the Prospector, the Theatre Barn, the Ridgefield Chorale, The First Congregational Church, the Theatre Barn, and more have planned an entertaining evening for all.
Santa’s much-anticipated visit straight from the North Pole via zoom will give children of all ages an opportunity to see Santa and to hear his 2020 message specifically for Ridgefield. A special email address that goes straight into Santa’s mailbox has been set up for anyone wishing to send a letter. Send letters to Santa@RidgefieldCT.org.
“We wanted to find a way to celebrate even if we can’t be downtown in person for a countdown,” said First Selectman Rudy Marconi. “This is the year to stay home so we can all stay safe and some very creative people have put together a not-to-be-missed show. I’m pretty excited about it.”
The tree lights -- sponsored by contributions from the Holiday Trust Fund, and the downtown Ridgefield Association – are a much-loved town tradition. Most years, the lights are switched on formally on the Friday evening after Thanksgiving while hundreds gather to participate in the ceremony, listen to seasonal music and welcome Santa.
As always, Holiday Trust Fund is in need of funds to help with the hanging of the lights, the garlands for the lampposts and the electric costs ~ which have been sliced-in-half with the addition of LED lights.
If you can donate, please send a check to:
Holiday Trust Fund
400 Main Street
Ridgefield, CT 06877
No amount is too small.. or too large.
And don't forget to tune in at 5:45 p.m. on Friday, November 27, for a very unique and special FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS.
R