Early in the Light Up Night planning, Lisa Lang – member of the Associated Businesses of Bridgeport board and wife of our mayor – said it would be amazing if the whole city would light up on Dec. 3.

 

Well, it must have been written in the stars.

 

A short time later, Jenny Reed of Bridgeport Card My Yard called me with a similar idea. “Light Up Our City” was off and running. In the days to follow, I was awestruck of the residential lights that began popping up all over our city. We were thrilled that so many people shared their street addresses with us and ultimately a map was created so folks could make family memories driving around and taking in the holiday sights.

 

Many of these residents go all out annually, decking out their homes in holiday style. And some who participated this year usually don’t.

 

“We weren’t going to do lights this year but when we heard about Light Up Our City, we decided to do it,” a Bridgeport resident shared with me. She wasn’t the only one making such a comment. You see, the spirit became contagious with more and more people getting on board.

 

The comment we’ve heard most is that people just want to be a part of spreading joy during a year which has brought much darkness. I don’t know about you, but that sure warms my soul.

 

We are still getting emails with photos of homes adorned in lights and addresses to be added to the map. Just yesterday, I had a conversation with Patrick Ash, who owns the Pumpkin Farm at Saltwell. He shared that he, also, is hosting a Light Up Night – and that is tonight.

 

“It was my hopes and dreams that we would host a big event like Light Up Night in downtown Bridgeport, but we had to scale way back due to obvious reasons,” Ash said.

 

He had hoped to have the farmyard full of spectators and offer refreshments. He is holding onto that dream for next year. But the new plan for this year is to ask folks to watch from their vehicles in the parking area along the road.

 

After a 6 p.m. countdown, thousands of lights will appear.

 

“We’re going to light up the pyramid in the front yard and the four tree trunks,” Ash said.

 

Pastor Mike Kirby of Faith Baptist Church in Enterprise will read the Christmas story from scripture, then he and his wife Karen and daughter Hope will provide special music.

 

As darkness falls nightly, the lights will be on through approximately 9 p.m. throughout the holiday season.

 

“It’s for unity – and to spread joy,” Ash said.

 

Access the Light Up Our City Google map HERE or download a printable version HERE and list of participating addresses HERE.

 

The Pumpkin Farm at Saltwell is located on Saltwell Road between Bridgeport and Shinnston. 

 

Photos of area homes are by Joey  Signorelli of Ben Queen Photography.