Keep The Lights On For The Ivoryton Illuminations

IVORYTON — This year, perhaps more than any other year in recent times, the magic, the surprise, the joy and the excitement of the holidays is uber important. Understanding the significance of spreading holiday cheer, in any and every way possible, the Ivoryton Village Alliance is at it once again, to fill the center of its Village with a fantastical light display like no other.

“We do this for the kids,” said Chris Shane of the Ivoryton Village Alliance, a group of local business people and interested local citizens who support not only the Farmer’s Market, but the Ivoryton Illuminations in the winter holiday season and the Fourth of July Parade.

Shane added, “This year, we all really need something to look forward to and make us happy.”

Fortified with a dedicated army of volunteers, the Alliance has set out to create an even more exciting, more extreme light display than ever before. Celebrating its 11th anniversary, the Ivory Illuminations boast some of the largest living Christmas Trees in the state with over 500,000 holiday lights. However, the light show is usually accompanied by a very special evening event, which kicks off the display, but this year, due to COVID, the event has been canceled. In addition, funding for the lights has also gone by the wayside. Usually, area businesses sponsor the Illuminations and all that it takes to make it happen.

However, all is not lost! A very generous, anonymous donor has graciously agreed to match all donations made, up to $5,000. So, Alliance member Rosemary Sousa has set up a convenient go fund me page, at https://www.gofundme.com/f/btv2f-ivoryton-illuminations-2020[KG1] , so people from the community and beyond can donate to the cause. Sousa and Shane said every donation is appreciated, no matter how large or small.

“This year everyone needs a little light, happiness and joy, which is what the lights display always is,” said Sousa. “It’s something we all look forward to and it’s something that we can all enjoy this holiday season, while also remaining socially distanced. I hope we raise all that we need so we can continue to light up the center of Ivoryton for all to enjoy.”

The lights will be turned on the weekend following Thanksgiving and will shine brightly through January 4th.

"With everyone on lockdown and social distancing, this light display is literally a bright spot," said Shane. Families can come enjoy the lights in their car, tune into the radio station (101.5 FM) and enjoy watching the lights dance to the music. It's something special and wonderful and we enjoy making the kids happy. That's very important to us every year, but this year especially."

“The Ivoryton Illuminations light display gets better and better every year,” said First Selectman and State Senator Norm Needleman. “It is a beautiful holiday display that brings the community together and brightens the spirit of the season for everyone.”