Plymouth Kicks Off Thanksgiving with Inaugural Illuminate 2014 Celebration

Plymouth will kick off America’s Hometown Thanksgiving celebration this Friday with the first Illuminate 2014 event.

Festivities begin with a candle-lighting ceremony at Cole’s Hill at 4 p.m. where members of the community can light a candle to honor the giving-spirit during the Thanksgiving season.

The Illuminate celebrations will count down each year to the historic 400th anniversary of the 1620 Mayflower voyage that brought the Pilgrims to settle in Plymouth.

“We are excited to kick off our journey to the 400th anniversary of Plymouth Colony in 2020 with the first annual Illuminate event,” said Michele Pecoraro, Executive Director of the nonprofit and event organizer Plymouth 400, Inc.

Entertainment at the inaugural celebration will be provided by the United States Air Force’s touring performance ensemble Tops in Blue and Plymouth North High School’s a cappella group Northern Lights. The event will feature speakers Senate President Therese Murray and humorist Loretta LaRoche

A cultural street festival featuring live music, art, history, special deals at shops and restaurants and more will follow the celebration on Main and Court streets from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“Illuminate 2014 will not only be an evening of family-friendly entertainment in downtown Plymouth, but will also be educational and inspirational, highlighting the importance of gratitude and the spirit of giving,” Pecoraro said.

The sister-city of Plymouth, England, will also join the celebration to highlight the connection between the two cities on Thursday. Plymouth, Mass., will be able to watch the UK celebration through a video shown during the program.

Attendees can can light a virtual candle and also share photos of the event through the Illuminate 2014 mobile app.

For more information on Illuminate 2014, visit Plymouthma400.org.

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