Glowing Christmas Luminaries to Officially Rekindle in Avon

AVON – This year’s Christmas will be a little brighter with the official return of the candle luminaries to the Village, which are to sparkle on the sidewalks and curbs on Dec. 20.

Neighbors and community organizations are coming together to sell luminary kits for $2, which include 10 white paper bags, 10 tea lights, and a bag of stone dust, but village residents are also encouraged to make their own out of jars, milk jugs, or anything that will safely emit a soft glow when placed outside. The tradition began decades ago but dwindled due to a lack of centralized planning.

“With all that’s going on in the world I think people want to return the to simplicity of their youth and fond memories,” said Michael Miron, president of the Avon Soccer Club and an organizer for this year’s event. “I think for people that grew up here, this brings them back to small town, neighbors, and community pride.”

The festivities will start with the Reindeer Games 5K at 1 p.m. at the Avon Driving Park. Community carolers will stroll through the village from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with the luminaries being lit at 6 p.m. The hope is that community members to wander or drive through the beautiful glowing streets and sidewalks and then meet at the Circle at 6:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. for desserts donated by Sweet Arts Bakery and The Cake Place.

The Village of Avon, Avon Soccer Club, Allstate Insurance, Avon Boy and Cub Scouts all had a hand in making the night possible.

To light a luminary, fill the white bag with the stone dust to weigh it down, put the tea candle inside, and light the candle.

The sand for the official luminary kits were provided by the Village. Kits can be picked up at the Allstate Office at 65 East Main Street or from their ‘block captains.’ To find out who your ‘block captain’ is, email Mike Miron at avonsoccer1@gmail.com.

Miron said that he hopes that the return of the luminaries will strike a chord with Avon natives, including those in his own family.

“My wife grew up on Temple Street,” said Michael Miron, president of the Avon Soccer Club and a key organizer for this year’s event. “She mentioned once that seeing the luminaries with her grandmother was one of her fondest memories from her childhood.”