New Candles Light The Way

By Nancy K. Crevier

“We are trying all of the time to comply with safer methods,” said Diana Johnson, as she displayed the new votive candles that will be used to light the luminaria at this year’s 25th Annual Ram Pasture Christmas Tree Lighting on December 4.

For the past two decades, the Christmas Tree committee, consisting of Ms Johnson, Janet Woycik, Stan Perrone, and Dan Dalton, has used six-inch-tall plumber’s candles in the decorative bags that illuminate Main Street, Elm Drive, and Ram Pasture on the night of the tree lighting.

“The fire marshal has been a little concerned over the years,” explained Ms Woycik. “What happens is that if a wind comes up and blows over a bag, it can catch on fire. Someone sees it and calls the fire department, and they end up sending out a truck to put out a little bag on fire,” she said.

The committee has investigated battery operated candles, but have yet to find one that is bright enough or that is cost effective. “It would be very expensive to replace battery operated candles every year,” Ms Johnson pointed out.

The new votive candles sit inside of a plastic holder and are indented on the bottom to sit securely in the sand at the bottom of the bag. As the candle burns down, it is contained in the holder. It is hoped that the new lights will prevent unnecessary calls to the fire department, and still provide a brilliant glow to the holiday scene.

The decorative luminaria bags are designed by and donated to the committee by Curtis Packaging Co of Sandy Hook, and members of the Parks and Recreation Department set the bags and candles up all around Ram Pasture and Hawley Pond on the morning of the event.

This year’s Annual Ram Pasture Christmas Tree Lighting begins at 6:15 pm, with singers and dancers from Newtown High School once again providing entertainment and leading the crowd in holiday songs. The tree lighting is scheduled for 7 pm, followed by a visit from jolly St Nicholas and his wife.