Cheshire Lights of Hope

Cheshire’s Lights of Hope Celebrates the Community with Kickoff Rally Nov. 9

CHESHIRE – Cheshire’s Lights of Hope invites the community to celebrate their town at an afternoon rally to kickoff this year’s luminary event Nov. 9.

The rally, sponsored by outdoor retailer Denali, starts at 1 p.m. at Cheshire High School and promises fun for the whole family. The event will feature food, entertainment and local vendors as well as last-minute luminary sales.

The entertainment lineup will include performances by the modern country band Southern Voice and dancers from Rhythm Dance Studio as well as a balloon artist and face painters for the children. Food vendors will include such local eateries as Señor Pancho’s, Shef’s Bagels, The Baker and the Bean and Subway.

WTNH Weekend Anchor Erin Logan will serve as master of ceremonies accompanied by The River 105.9 morning DJ Joe Aquiar.

This year’s rally is expected to be significantly larger than last year’s with triple the number of vendors, said Loryn Watkinson, organizer of this year’s rally. Vendors are asked to donate some portion of their profits back to Cheshire’s Lights of Hope.

Those attending the rally are also asked to please consider bringing a food or gift card donation for the Cheshire Community Food Pantry, one of the beneficiaries of this year’s luminary event.

"Cheshire’s Lights of Hope is truly about the community giving back to the community," said Watkinson. "That’s our main theme for the rally as well."

The closing ceremony will include a presentation of the Cheshire Luminary Award to the Cheshire Junior Women’s Club.

Following the rally, volunteers will light the "Mile of Hope," a one-mile stretch of Route 10 in the center of town sponsored by Cheshire businesses.

Cheshire’s Lights of Hope has raised more than $500,000 for local charities since it began nine years ago. In addition to the Food Pantry, proceeds from luminary sales will also benefit Cheshire’s Youth and Social Services, the Petit Family Foundation, and the Cheshire’s Lights of Hope Scholarship Fund.

Sets of 10 luminaries can be purchased for $12 at R.W. Hines Ace Hardware, PAWS Pet Resort and Main Street Caffe. There will also be a drive-through luminary station at the high school starting at 10 a.m. the day of the event.

The inclement weather date is Nov. 10.

For more information, visit www.CheshiresLightsofHope.com or text CHESHIRE to 84483.