NOVEMBER 09, 2018 - 10:38 PM
Cheshire, Conn. - The 14th annual Cheshire's Lights of Hope is set for this weekend where thousands of burning candles will unite the town and and raise money for local charities.
Over 50,000 candles are estimated to light the night sky across neighborhoods, shops, and schools in Cheshire. The luminary event seeks to unify neighbors while helping the less fortunate. Residents can purchase luminary kits to place outside of their homes. All funds go to local charities across Cheshire.
The event started on a single street in 2005, but expanded to include the entire town in 2007 after the tragedy of the Petit murders. President of Cheshire's Lights of Hope Don Walsh says the symbolism of the candles is meant to bring people together - even in the darkest of times.
"The symbolism of lighting a candle in the darkness is so powerful because it lights up the way and shows there is a beacon of light in everybody's life," said Walsh. "All you need to do is come outside, light a candle and meet your neighbors."
Walsh encourages residents to purchase luminary kits early, as the kits are expected to sell out this year. In addition to raising $70,000 last year the event also sponsors two, $2,000 scholarships to Cheshire students for volunteer work aiding the local community. Luminaries will light at dusk and continue to burn throughout the night.
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