IRVINGTON — For the last 37 years, Irvington has celebrated the holiday season with a community-wide luminaria. This year, the 38th annual event will be held on Sunday, December 21 from 6-10 p.m., Everyone is invited to set out candles along the sidewalk, up the walkway and along the porch on that evening. Then, walk or cruise through the winding streets to enjoy the holiday atmosphere in the entire community.
Always a delight, Santa Claus will be in Irving Circle Park (at South Audubon Rd. & University Ave.) during the Luminaria, passing out candy canes and posing with children for free pictures! There will be free cocoa and cookies, provided by The Friends of Irving Circle. The Benton House, 312 S. Downey Ave. will hold an open house that evening from 7-9 p.m. with music and much more.
In addition, there will be an Inaugural Luminaria Family Walk/Run, organized by Irvington residents. Meet at the Library parking lot for a go-at-your-own-pace walk/run. There is no fee, but organizers are asking that you bring a donation of supplies for FACE Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic on the east side. This could be old towels, bleach, paper towels, leashes, collars, hand sanitizer, rubber gloves, toys, food. The walk will be about 2 miles and the run will be about 4.5 Bring flashlights. The map for the run is available on Irvington Luminaria Walk Facebook page.
For Irvingtonians who haven’t bought their supplies yet, you can purchase kits at Ace Hardware on 10th and Arlington, Deering Cleaners at 11th and Arlington, plus the Antique Mall of Irvington, Black Sheep Gifts, the Bonna Shops, Your Local Deli in Irvington. If you purchase supplies from these stores, you are welcome to pick up free sand from the sand pile (delivered Monday, December 15) in the parking lot of Friends of Ellenberger Park Skating Rink, 5301 East St. Clair Street. Cost of the kits is 5 for $2, 10 for $4, or 20 for $6.