Vernon Holiday Lights Returning To Park, Winterfest To Downtown

VERNON, CT — Vernon's annual Winterfest holiday celebration is returning to Downtown Rockville for 2021. Henry Park will be again decorated with a drive-through light display.

The event is slated for Dec. 3, beginning at 6 p.m., and will feature the traditional fire truck parade, the annual tree lighting, the illumination of the snowflake on Fox Hill Tower in Henry Park and lighting of the wreath on Town Hall.

"We are looking forward to the kickoff of the holiday season and this wonderful celebration that brings our community together," Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said.

Other events planned for Winterfest include the opening of the Santa House, a carol sing and a performance by the Rockville High School Marching Ram Band.

Cookies and candy canes will be available and Santa will arrive by fire truck.

Henry Park will again be illuminated with thousands of holiday lights, which will be turned on each evening beginning Nov. 26 — the day after Thanksgiving. They will remain illuminated through the holiday season for all to vieww, free of charge.

"Last year’s reimagined Winterfest in Henry Park was a huge success," Champagne said. "People really enjoyed the light display and we wanted to continue that part this year. Our Parks and Recreation staff has been working hard preparing the park and stringing lights."

All other Winterfest activities will be downtown.

Firefighters from several area towns will join Vernon firefighters in decorating their trucks for the parade. Trophies will go to the best decorated truck and the best decorated Vernon truck, Parks and Recreation Director Marty Sitler.

"Winterfest is an important tradition in Vernon and we are glad to be able to offer this family friendly event to our residents," Vernon Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said. "These kinds of traditions create sustaining memories about growing up in Vernon, Santa arriving on a fire truck and Henry Park being lit up with thousands of holiday lights. The holidays are a magic time for people of all ages."