Lights of Love is Tuesday at city hall

GREENCASTLE -- It's time to get into the holiday spirit, as the Greencastle Civic League kicks off the holiday season on Dec.1 at 6 p.m. at Greencastle City Hall with its 26th annual "Lights of Love" ceremony.

"We are excited to once again, begin celebrating the holiday season with this time-honored community tradition," said Lights of Love chair Cathryn Ensley. "This event is 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."

Students in grades K-2 will compete in a "Decorate the Light" contest. Students in grades 3-5 and grades 6-8 will compete in an essay contest, writing about "What are you the most thankful for?"

The TZ After School Enrichment Choir will also once again perform holiday music during the ceremony. Local students will be reading and displaying their winning entries during the ceremony.

The ceremony will conclude with winners lighting the ceremonial tree.

Community members are encouraged to attend the ceremony and purchase a light in honor of or in memory of a loved one. Community members can buy one light for $3.50 or two for $5.

To buy a light in advance of the ceremony, call Ensley at 653-1737.

Also on Dec. 1, coinciding with the Greencastle Civic League's Lights of Love Program are the Greater Greencastle Chamber of Commerce presentation of the Spirit of Christmas Award and the annual 5,000 Lights Luminaria display on the DePauw University campus.

The Luminaria is coordinated by the Bonner Scholars Program. Local residents are encouraged to drive through campus on their way to and from the Lights of Love program to see the campus and adjoining community aglow in candlelight.