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Unite by Light 2023 is cancelled due to the expected rain.
Join us for Unite by Light 2023, a fully inclusive luminary event that unites the community for a single night of connection and joy.
“So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth.” – Baha’U’Llah
including 'Harmony on Hopmeadow', a vocal and musical journey!
Uniting the community, bringing joy, and creating a brighter world.
On December 10, 2023, Simsbury CT will be aglow by candlelight with the spirit of friendship, unity, and community as neighbors near and far come together to #UnitebyLight.
Together, we will decorate, assemble, and light 1,200 luminaries along both sides of a one-mile stretch of Hopmeadow St.
Everyone is invited to walk the mile and take in 'Harmony on Hopmeadow' (a journey of music and vocal performances), the Community Wish Tree, and more.
'Harmony on Hopmeadow' ~ A Joyful Music and Vocal Happening for All Ages
Enjoy a variety of music & vocal performances!
Performance Schedule:
1. Simsbury United Methodist Church: 5:30-6 - Carillon Bells; 6-6:30 pm - Handbell Concert (in Sanctuary); Matt Parker Duo (outside) 6:45-7:15 pm
2. Martocchio Music: Live Band (outside) 5-6 pm; Community Carol Sing featuring St. Mary's School students (outside) 6-7 pm
3. The Coffee Spot: Farmington Valley Chorus (inside) 5-5:30 pm; Meadow Blue (outside) 5:30-7:15 pm
4. First Church of Christ (Palmer Hall around back of church): Simsbury Intonations Chorus 5:30-6 pm; Kinetic Ukes - 6:30-7:15 pm
PLUS
Make a Wish at the Community Wish Tree at Lions Den Coffee Shop
Make a Wish at the Community Wish Tree at Lions Den Coffee Shop
Make a Wish at the Community Wish Tree at Lions Den Coffee Shop
Stop in Lions Den Coffee Shop, write your wish - for the world, for our community, or perhaps for 2024.
Share a few words, a poem, or a hand-drawn picture. Hang it on the tree in the front window for all to see, then take a photo and share your wish on social media!.
Comfort & Joy Holiday Card Making at Gather on Hopmeadow
Make a Wish at the Community Wish Tree at Lions Den Coffee Shop
Make a Wish at the Community Wish Tree at Lions Den Coffee Shop
Help us reach our goal of providing 2,000 cards to adults in assisted living & memory care units, hospitalized patients, and veterans this holiday season!
Stop in Gather on Hopmeadow (961 Hopmeadow St.) and make a few holiday cards.
Already made them at home? Drop them here or in the box at Simsbury United Methodist Church.
Antique painted sleighs
Antique fire truck decorated for the holidays
Antique fire truck decorated for the holidays
Enjoy the sleighs on the grounds of the Simsbury Historical Society. Stop and admire these antique treasures that have been hand painted by local artists.
After Unite by Light, they'll go back into storage until 2024!
Antique fire truck decorated for the holidays
Antique fire truck decorated for the holidays
Antique fire truck decorated for the holidays
Stop by the Simsbury Fire Dept. and check out its antique fire truck decorated for the holidays.
Become a Family Sponsor
$100.00
Be a part of bringing the 2023 Simsbury Unity Mile to life!
We need your help to bring this incredible event to town! Help us assemble and light 1,200 luminaries. People of any age can play a part in assembling; adults 18+ and high school seniors can light the luminaries. We also need help cleaning up the morning after.
Designers of the Light
On November 28 and 30, we need 10 volunteers to assemble luminaries from 6-7:30 pm at Boy Scout Hall.
NEW in 2023: We also have 2 90-minute luminary assembly times available on a first-come, first-served basis for employees of Title, Presenting, or Platinum sponsors on November 28 and 30.
*** Download, print, and bring signed volunteer agreement & photo release (see below) with you in order to volunteer.
Creators of the Light: Place and light luminaries along Hopmeadow St.: Dec. 3 (2-4 pm - loaders) (3-4 pm - lighters)
1. We need 8 volunteers to help us with the drive-through luminary pick-up. You'll be given an assignment for the drive-through and some people will load boxes of luminaries into the cars of luminary lighters (2-4 pm). Please arrive at Boy Scout Hall at 2:00 pm to receive instructions and help us organize the boxes of luminaries. You'll be outside, so dress warm!
2. We need 40 adults/high school seniors to help us light the luminaries (3-4 pm)!
Families can participate with youth placing the luminaries and parents lighting them.
We'll be doing a drive-through luminary pickup for the volunteer luminary lighters. You'll receive an email on Saturday, December 2 with details and will be asked to drive into the First Church parking lot off of West St. at either 3:00 pm or 3:20 pm.
Please bring a long-handled grill lighter with you to light your luminaries!
First, we'll collect your volunteer agreement and photo release (please scroll down to print these 2 sheets of paper and bring the completed forms with you).
Then you'll be given a location assignment & safety vests. You'll pop your trunk and boxes of luminaries will be placed in your car.
You'll exit the parking lot onto Hopmeadow St., drive to your designated location, and place & light 25 luminaries with your own lighter.
Then you'll return your safety vests to us at Boy Scout Hall.
Please note that, if you intend to place 25 luminaries as a family, you should only sign up one adult in your family. If you sign up 2 people, you are agreeing to place 50 luminaries. If you sign up 3 people, you are agreeing to place 75 luminaries, etc.
***** Download, print, and bring signed volunteer agreement & photo release (see below) with you in order to volunteer.
Ambassadors of the Light
We need 4 people (preferably teams so you're not alone) 4:30-6:30 pm to stroll along a half mile on one side of the street to 'keep the light' shining AND to serve as a For All Ages Ambassador by answering questions from anyone strolling re: performance venues.
You'll stroll along the route, checking on bags and relighting any that have gone out. You'll also hand out performance schedules as necessary to passersby.
High school seniors or adults please (younger family members are welcome to accompany you as you stroll).
Arrive at Boy Scout Hall at 4:30 pm.
*** Download, print, and bring signed volunteer agreement & photo release (see below) with you in order to volunteer.
Clean up the luminaries: Dec. 10 (8:15-9:15 pm)
HUGE thanks to Simsbury's Volunteens and Simsbury ABC students for taking on the cleanup responsibilities!
*** Download, print, and bring signed volunteer agreement & photo release (see below) with you in order to volunteer.
Thank you!
All volunteers are required to download, print, and turn in the signed volunteer agreement & photo release when arriving at their scheduled volunteer time. Youth under the age of 18 must have parent/guardian sign. Thank you!
2023 'Share Your Light' Community Luminary Decorating
We hosted multiple events September through November.
Hundreds of Simsbury residents of all ages enjoyed casual conversation with their neighbors as they decorated luminary bags for the big night. Oh, and the custom flame cupcakes were a bit hit, too!
Join us on December 10 to find your decorated bag(s).
2023 Official Event Photographer
2023 Unity Mile Presenting Sponsor
2023 Harmony on Hopmeadow Presenting Sponsor
2023 Platinum Sponsors
2023 Gold Sponsors
2023 Silver Sponsors
2023 Family Sponsors
Simsbury Housing Authority
Please support the 2024 Team For All Ages!
Donate to our largest fundraiser of the year. Every dollar raised will directly support our intergenerational programs that reduce loneliness and improve health. Thank you!