Getting Merry and Bright

Good morning, Tolland County! Today is 11/27, and that means it’s National Tie One On Day. No, that’s not giving you a free pass to start day drinking, that means it’s time to tighten that apron and get everything ready for the big day tomorrow. And then start drinking (just stay away from sharp objects).

In Today’s Tolland County Buzz:

• Lights in Motion

• Lighting Up Stafford

• Coventry’s Light Tour

Let’s dive in!

-Tyler DiGiovanni

BRIEF BITES

• Letters To Santa: Starting on 11/29, The Flour Girl Bakery has a mailbox directly to the North Pole. Bring your little one’s letters to be dropped off and they’ll receive back a confirmation of whether or not they made the nice list this year. Drop-offs are welcome from 8am-8pm.

• Bathe In Sound: Rockville Public Library is holding their final sound healing session of the year on 12/3 from 6-7:30pm. Registration is required, so make sure to reserve your spot, and let the sound wash your worries away.

• Veteran’s Smiles: Delta Dental Foundation has granted UConn $35,000 to enhance its Smiles for Veterans program, providing much-needed dental care to local veterans. This boost ensures those who served get the support they deserve, one smile at a time!

• Woolen Wonders: Connecticut’s American Woolen Co., one of the nation’s last wool textile mills, is making waves with a $20 million Department of Defense contract to produce high-quality wool for military uniforms. CEO Jacob Harrison Long envisions this Stafford Springs mill as a beacon of sustainable American craftsmanship, weaving together history and innovation while boosting local manufacturing.

Lights In Motion

Get ready to sleigh the holiday season at Hebron’s Lions Lights in Motion, where the dazzling display of over a million lights is sure to spark your inner holiday cheer. This isn’t your average twinkle-light affair—it's a full-blown festive fiesta that even the Grinch would grin at. Prepare to be enchanted as you embark on a 20-minute journey through over 350 dazzling light installations, featuring more than 1 million animated lights synchronized to festive music.

But wait, there’s myrrh! Whether you're bringing the kids, your sweetheart, or just your holiday spirit, the synchronized light shows and cheerful ambiance will leave you aglow. Don't miss out on this electrifying celebration—because the only thing better than a winter wonderland is one that you can enjoy from the cozy comfort of your car or in the crisp December air. ‘Tis the season to shine bright at Lions Lights in Motion! To plan your visit, check the calendar for open dates and operating hours.

Coventry’s Light Tour

Are you beginning to sense a theme here? Coventry is jumping into the holiday decorating spirit with their own town-wide holiday light competition. All you need to do to participate, is register (scroll down to the Special Events section) by Friday 11/29 (I know it says Friday December 1st on the site, but that date doesn’t exist, so let’s go with the 29th instead).

Once you’re registered, decorate your yard and front of house however you want (probably keep it PG to be safe) by the end of the day on December 6th. Judging will take place between 12/9 through 12/15. Maps of where to stop by will be available around 12/3 on the town’s website. Winners will be announced on 12/16, and they’ll be receiving…I have no idea. But there will be a prize of some sort! Hopefully one of the victors will let us know what they ended scoring for their efforts.

Lighting Up Stafford

This is your warning! Explore Stafford is holding a holiday lights competition to brighten up the town. Both residents and businesses are being encouraged to participate in the this luminary show of holiday cheer. There are four different categories to compete in this year: Merry & Bright (the more, the better), Holiday Traditions (a little more subdued), People’s Choice (make it memorable), and Best Business (commercial spots, it’s you time to shine. Literally).

Time is already ticking though, with the deadline set at 5pm December 6th to have a picture of your fully decorated holiday display submitted. All participants will be added to the Stafford Holiday Lights Map which will be available on December 13th when online voting begins. People’s Choice voting will end on December 18th, and the winners will be announced the following day. I think we did a great job of explaining it, but if you want to know more, go here.

BEE LINE EVENTS

LIVE MUSIC

Friday 11/29

⬢ Rocking Horse Smokehouse - Vernon | Trailer Trash | 9pm

MARKETS

11/30

Let’s Get Wired | Stafford | 12-5pm: Shop Small Pop Up Market showcasing a unique variety from local artisans.

12/1

Sonny’s Place | Somers | 12-4pm: Holiday Market located in Pavilion 2. Featuring dozens of local vendors, craft cocktails, and snacks to enjoy while you shop!

Tolland Rec Department | Tolland | 10am-1pm: Stop into the Tolland Rec Department to check out the Tolland Green Farmer’s Market. Shop from local growers, crafters, makers, and producers.

ACTIVITIES

11/30

Tolland Town Hall | 6pm: Join the first-ever Torchlight Parade starting at 6 PM, ending with a festive tree lighting at Town Hall. Enjoy Christmas carols, hot chocolate, pictures with Santa, and bring a donation for the food pantry or toy drive—don’t miss the holiday fun!

Stafford Cidery | Stafford | 2pm: Roll into a sushi making class at Stafford Cidery, home of Crazy Cock Cider! This 2-hour class includes expert guidance, fresh ingredients, presentation tips, and a pint of your choice—perfect for sushi lovers and beginners alike. Bring a buddy and roll something up!

Tolland County Agricultural Center | Vernon | 9am - 3pm: Check out unique handmade treasures by local artists. Browse through crafts, food, jewelry, home decor, and more. The best part? If you buy something, you’re supporting someone from the community, and if you don’t you got out of the house for a little bit.

12/1

Columbia Town Green | 5pm: Come out to the Columbia Town Green for the annual gazebo lighting and carol singing. The Columbia Lion’s Club will also be taking donations for winter wear to pass along to WAIM. Scout Troop 162 will also be collecting non-perishable food items for the Columbia Food Pantry (bet most of you didn’t realize Columbia had a food pantry).

THE HIVE’S PICKS

Since its founding in 1967, the Vernon Historical Society (VHS) has been a treasure trove of local history, preserving artifacts, artwork, and stories that capture the heart of Vernon’s past. From the breathtaking paintings of Charles Ethan Porter to the stunning etchings of Gustave Hoffman, the Society’s collection is a testament to the artistic heritage of the region. Visitors can also admire the works of Dr. William Schneider, a beloved local physician and painter, whose vibrant legacy is permanently displayed in the museum's auditorium. With a fully computerized library and searchable database, the Society continues to connect the community with its rich history in innovative ways.

Mark your calendar for the VHS Craft Fair on Saturday, November 30 (9 AM - 4 PM), and Sunday, December 1 (10 AM - 4 PM)! This annual event is the perfect way to dive into the holiday spirit while supporting a great cause. Browse one-of-a-kind crafts, from handmade jewelry to cozy knitwear, and hunt for treasures at the ever-popular "Nearly New" table.

Whether you're shopping for gifts, looking for holiday decor, or simply enjoying the cheerful atmosphere, the Craft Fair is an event not to miss. Proceeds benefit the Vernon Historical Society, ensuring the stories of Vernon’s past continue to be shared for generations to come.

UCONN SPORTS

11/29 - Women's Ice Hockey vs Yale (Nutmeg Classic) | Fairfield, CT | 6pm

11/30 - Women's Ice Hockey vs Nutmeg Classic TBD

11/30 - Men’s Football @ UMASS | 12pm

11/30 - Men's Basketball vs UMES | Hartford | 7pm

If you got something out of today’s newsletter, please share it with someone that pronounces it pea-can instead of pe-kahn. See you next week, Happy Thanksgiving!

Tyler

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