Sixth Annual Luminary Display to Cover Entire Cemetery; Event Scheduled for Dec. 6
By Julie Perine on December 03, 2018 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
With 600 luminaries, last year's holiday display at Bridgeport Cemetery was the largest to date.
But this year, nearly three times as many luminaries will be placed throughout cemetery grounds for the Dec. 6 display.
This is the sixth year for the event, originally suggested by Assistant City Manager Jimmy Smith back in 2013. Growing up the nephew of a cemetery superintendent, he said he helped set up similar displays through the years and always felt they were such meaningful tributes.
“I remember witnessing it and talking to people and learning what it really meant to them,” he said.
He was glad to see Bridgeport implement a luminary display and said it falls right in line with the city's ongoing plan to utilize the cemetery in a way that people know city staff sincerely cares.
Bridgeport Cemetery Office Administrator Tricia Bombardiere said much positive feedback about the display has been received and in fact, helped inspire the expansion of this year's display.
In years past, luminaries were placed on the main roadway circling the cemetery, but this year about 1,600 luminaries will cover the entire cemetery.
"It will start Thurs., Dec. 6 at dusk and we will leave them lit all night this year," she said.
Since 2015 - when weather conditions made it impossible to light the luminaries - Bombardiere said the staff swiitched to flameless flickering tea lights.
Still, setting that many luminaries in place will be a task. Work will begin in the afternoon of Dec. 6 and will require plenty of city staff members. Effors will result in a peaceful glow throughout the cemetery.
Motorists are invited and encouraged to drive through the cemetery after sunset to see the display, but are also urged to use caution, especially if they choose to turn off headlights. The cemetery is very dark and many deer travel through the grounds. In recent years, luminaries have been placed closer together to create more light.
The luminaries will be lit for one night only.
"If you want to see a great tribute to all those who are at rest in the Bridgeport Cemetery, come by and see this annual tradition," Smith said.
Bridgeport Cemetery is located just off Route 131 (formerly Route 73), across from the old Carroll Lumber building which now houses Innovations Hair Salon. 
Editor's Note: Photos were taken at previous luminary services at Bridgeport Cemetery.
