Op-Ed: 'An Inclusive Event, A First For Bethel' by Bill Hillman

Sunday evening December 22, with the Christmas/Yule tree as backdrop, a first-time-ever event will take place at Bethel’s PT Barnum Square at 6 p.m.

Controversy regarding seasonal holiday displays now a thing of the past; many traditions are being represented.

The first night of Hanukkah and Yule will both be publicly celebrated with the lighting of the first light of an outdoor menorah, music and song, along with other traditions unique to the evening.

All of this has been made possible with the generous funding from dozens of donations ranging from five to five hundred dollars. Credit is due to many volunteers, members of the downtown business community, and religious organizations.

So many have come to help, and I’m truly humbled by the response from "Bethelites," and that wider community participating in this event.

In addition to the menorah lighting, I'll be handing out fifty tin Menorahs with boxes of Hanukkah candles on a first-come basis to anyone who wants to light a Menorah with me (there’ll be a cheat-sheet handed out). With a limited supply of Hanukkah gelt (packaged chocolate coins from Israel), and dreidels (spinning tops) for the kids; Hanukkah is fun for all ages.

Professional musicians will share traditional Hanukkah music, and then the event focus will miraculously shift to celebrate Yule and the Winter Solstice with song and drumming. Likewise, this will also be a first at PT Barnum Square, hopefully beginning new annual traditions.

Bethel is inclusive! This event celebrates OUR many traditions, surrounded by new displays and the traditional Nativity scene. Be welcome, be positive, and be Bethel at its best.

I’m so thankful to have had the wonderful support to make this happen.

Thank you Bethel, a real gem of a small Town in our part of the world.

Bill Hillman

Bethel resident since 1992