This Light Up Southwick contestant on Berkshire Avenue included “250” in lights on the front porch. (Photo by Hope E. Tremblay)
SOUTHWICK – The lights are still shining in the town’s Light Up Southwick contest.
There are 17 homes participating in the contest through Dec. 30. Winners will be announced during the First Night celebration Dec. 31 and lights will remain on until Jan. 2.
Although the houses are being judged in three categories by a panel of objective judges, anyone can cast their vote for the Viewer Favorite online.
The other categories are Vintage, Farm and Most Creative. All entrants receive a participation gift, with Celebrate Southwick 250 memorabilia and gift certificates awarded to the top three in each category. Visit the Celebrate Southwick 250 Facebook page for a list of participating homes as well as a link to the contest Google map and information on how to vote for your favorite.
Celebrate Southwick 250 Chair James Putnam said he is thrilled with the displays and hopes anyone who has not taken the tour will do so before it’s over.
This house on Powder Mill Road pays tribute tot he town’s first responders. (Photo by Hope E. Tremblay)
“The participants have such different yards and lights and really worked with what they have,” he said. “Some have large yards with large holiday displays and others have small yards with very focused displays.”
Several homes got into the spirit of Southwick’s birthday and incorporated “250” in their decorations. One home created a tribute to the town’s first responders, while others lit up their homes for the holidays.
Celebrate Southwick 250 is also hosting the town’s first-ever First Night event for families Dec. 31 from 4-7 p.m. Activities will be spread from Woodland School to the Southwick Recreation Center. Families with children under age 13 will enjoy a movie, crafts, face painting and hula hooping at the Woodland School.
“There will also be a sword fighting demonstration from Martin Lee,” Putnam said.
Parents are requested to remain with their children to enjoy the activities with them and park in the lots along Powder Mill Road. The road leading to Woodland will be closed.
For those 13 and older, there is a game corner, henna body art, a selfie station, dance music and more at the Southwick Recreation Center. There will be more activities outside, as well as food trucks with hot food available for purchase.
“Around 6 p.m. everyone will make their way to the parking lot behind the Rec Center for outdoor activities, including a bonfire, s’mores and the fireworks,” Putnam said. “The weather forecast calls for a beautiful, open night.”
Putnam said the event is geared toward families, but all are welcome to join the celebration, the head out to other parties or dinner after the fireworks. He said it is a great start to the town’s 250th year.
“We have at least one event each month leading up to the Grand Parade Oct. 11,” Putnam said.
Upcoming events include Southwick Night at the Springfield Thunderbirds hockey game, a Winter Carnival, a St. Patrick’s celebration, historical lectures and more.
