Beloved Simsbury Tradition In Need of Holiday Spirit This Year

Each Thanksgiving weekend downtown Simsbury has been transformed into a magical winter wonderland for Simsbury Celebrates! The free entertainment extravaganza filled with family-friendly fun has become the region’s largest holiday event attracting 12,000 visitors. Now in its 17th year, a dedicated committee of volunteers is asking for community support to ensure the beloved tradition continues.

“Many people don’t realize that this town wide event is completely funded by donations,” Tara Willerup, Chairperson of Simsbury Celebrates Committee. “We love that this celebration holds such a special holiday meaning for so many people and we need everyone’s help to keep the magic of this night alive”

Although the Simsbury Recreation Dept. sponsors the event and assists with the event production, all funds to support the event are raised through generous financial support from local businesses, families and civic groups and run by volunteers.

Willerup notes that a new committee for 2018 is well represented with a number of prominent community groups taking a leadership role in the coordination of this year's event:, Simsbury Free Library, Simsbury Public Library, Parks and Rec Department, PAC, Main St Partnership, and involved citizens.

This year’s event will take place on Saturday, November 24th from 5:00-8:30 p.m. and will feature a Fire Truck Parade with Santa, music, performances, a Ginger Bread House Contest, food, and much more, capped off by a fantastic fireworks display.

“It is only because of the generosity of local businesses and individual donors that we have been able to bring together people of all ages to celebrate all that we are thankful for in our town. “ said Willerup
Individuals, families and small businesses may make personal contributions of $20.18 (for the 2018 event), $25, $50, $100, $150 or more. Donations can be made online atwww.simsburycelebrates.com or on the Simsbury Recreation page at www.simsburyrec.com.

Checks can be mailed to: Simsbury Celebrates 2018, 933 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury, CT 06070. Contributions are tax deductible.

Sponsorship levels ranges from Bronze at $150 to Platinum at $2,000. 2018 Platinum Presenting Sponsors are the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Department, Show Lighting and Keller Williams Realty Greater Hartford. Email simscelebrates@gmail.com or call 860-658-3836 with any questions regarding sponsorship or donations, or if you would be interested in volunteering with the Simsbury Celebrates 2018 committee.

Simsbury Celebrates! is based on a wonderful event that was run by the Simsbury Arts Council called "Opening Night". In 2002 the Simsbury Culture, Parks, and Recreation Dept, alongside a small but dedicated group of volunteers, decided to bring the event back and renamed it "Simsbury Celebrates." The event now has more family-friendly features such as free entertainment, an earlier start to the popular fireworks show, and more street entertainment.

Since 2002, Simsbury Celebrates! is a free community holiday celebration organized by the all-volunteer Simsbury Celebrates Committee. The nonprofit event is traditionally held the Saturday after Thanksgiving at various locations throughout downtown Simsbury, CT. For more information visit www.simsburycelebrates.com or call 860.658.3836. Like us on Facebook to get our latest news!

PHOTO: A major highlight of the annual Simsbury Celebrates! holiday festival is the culminating fireworks display.