Lights of Love program to brighten Greencastle Dec. 4

Saturday, November 26, 2011

It's time to get into the holiday spirit as the Greencastle Civic League kicks off the holiday season on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the Great Hall in the Green Center for the Performing Arts at DePauw University with its 28th annual "Lights of Love" ceremony.

"This year we are celebrating this time-honored community event with the theme of 'Making Greencastle Brighter.' It really seems that there have been so many people and things to celebrate in our community this year, that have truly made it a better and brighter place to be," said Cathryn Ensley, who co-chairs the Lights of Love campaign.

"However, this event is and always has been about welcoming in the season, honoring the voices and talents of the children in our community, and taking the time to honor and remember those most important to us," Ensley said.

Greencastle Community School students will compete in a "Making Greencastle Brighter" contest, submitting essays and artwork that will be on display for the public. Winning student artwork and essay submissions will be read, displayed and highlighted throughout the evening.

The Greater Greencastle Chamber of Commerce will present the "Spirit of Christmas Award," recognizing the best window decoration by a local business. The ceremony will conclude with winners lighting the ceremonial tree.

Community members are invited and encouraged to attend the ceremony and to purchase a light in honor of or in memory of someone who has made, or is making life brighter. Community members may purchase a light for $5.

To buy a light in advance of the ceremony, interested persons may call Ensley at 720-7610.

Also, on Dec. 4, coinciding with the theme of "Making Greencastle Brighter," are the annual luminaria display on the DePauw campus and the "Readings and Carols" concert at Gobin United Methodist Church.

The luminaria will begin at dusk and is coordinated by the DePauw Bonner Scholars Program. Local residents are encouraged to walk or drive through campus and the adjoining community to see the area aglow in candlelight.

The "Readings and Carols" concert is at 5 p.m. and will include performances by the DePauw Chorus and the DePauw Chamber Singers. After the "Readings and Carols" concert, there will be free hot chocolate to the public.

All students and community members are invited to these events, as well as the Light of Love Ceremony, as part of the "Making Greencastle Brighter" evening.

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