Frederick City resident Julia Hanna’s goal when she started the now traditional Festival of Lights in Frederick over 30 years ago was to bring the community together with holiday spirit. The event has been a hallmark of the holiday season in the city ever since.
The Festival of Lights, a free, ecumenical event, is 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, at City Hall Park. The event’s focus is welcoming all and bringing the community together in celebration of the holidays.
“It’s a delightful program that encourages fellowship and community togetherness through holiday greetings, an inspirational message, and musical performances. The program ends with a candle lighting ceremony and sing-along to Silent Night,” said Anna Davey, events coordinator for the Office of Special Events in Frederick and the organizer of the Festival of Lights.
Davey said this year’s event will include Council member Katie Nash, the Frederick Children’s Chorus, and the Miss Frederick Scholarship Program winners. Jessica El-Zeftawy, development officer for Frederick County Public Libraries, will deliver an inspirational message at the Festival of Lights.
“December is such a busy time, with shopping lists a mile long and inboxes bursting at the seams,” said El-Zeftawy. “Events like the Festival of Lights give our community an opportunity to pause, gather, and celebrate this special time of year.”
She said the Festival of Lights “is a great event that inspires the magic of the holiday season.”
“We rarely get the opportunity to gather with our friends and neighbors, singing holiday songs together on and off key,” she said. “The sense of community and togetherness makes this event so special and one that we look forward to each year.”
The Festival of Lights also features catering by the Eklectic Coffee Bar, a beverage truck that offers a variety of coffee, hot chocolate, cider, and tea. They will be open at the City Hall courtyard from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Davey said that everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this free community event.
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