Candle Luminary Tradition Returns to Warm Hearts in Avon

AVON – The Village was a winter wonderland on Sunday as local families brought back a dwindling Avon tradition by lighting candle luminaries on their sidewalks, curbs and streets.

The night was a resounding success, ending with 50 carolers happily chiming Christmas songs and enjoying locally made desserts at the village circle.

“The Village was well lit,” said organizer Michael Miron. “We want to build on the momentum and enthusiasm. The weather is the wild card, and it was perfect.”

For many Avon families, bringing back the luminaries meant more than bathing the streets in pretty lights for an evening. The family of Justin Matusak, who passed away in 2012 at age 23, posted to social media that their son always enjoyed the luminaries growing up.

“We made sure Justin was part of the tradition he so loved,” posted his mother, Melissa Priest.

The Avon Dance Emporium danced the night away at the Avon Firehouse as folks toured their local streets which were bathed in golden candlelight.

Carolers and neighbors enjoyed desserts made by the Cake Place and Sweet Arts Bakery in the circle after touring their village to see the glittering lights.

Organizers gave special thanks to Kirk Vanderbilt, Jimmy Harrington, the Vallone family, the Avon Soccer Club, the Avon Dance Emporium, the Cake Place, Sweet Arts Bakery, the Avon Fire Department, the Avon Police Department, the Village of Avon, and especially the Block Captains for their collective efforts to make the night beautiful.

The luminaries will be back next year along with the Reindeer Run and 5K, which kicks off earlier in the day.