Established in 1976, the Irvington Luminaria has been a delightful event that depicts the beauty and humble atmosphere of both Irvington and the holiday season. This, the 40th anniversary of the first Luminaria, promises to be big, beautiful, and moving. Every year, people from all over the city (and outside Marion County) head into Irvington to see the neighborhood’s lovely luminaria. More than just Irvington, this is an east side event that brings young and old together for a magical evening.
For the new kids in the neighborhood who may not know about this tradition, the Luminaria is an old custom of placing candles in white bags weighted with sand along sidewalks, or in elaborate patterns in open areas. According to Roman Catholic tradition, the lights guide the spirit of the Christ child to one’s home. On the Sunday before Christmas, the Luminaria is brought to life by hundreds of Irvington residents displaying thousands of candles in the early hours of night. This year, the Irvington Luminaria will be held December 18 from 6-10 p.m. and promises to be bigger and better than ever. Religious and non-religious people throughout Irvington are encouraged to participate.
Luminaria supplies can be purchased at the Antique Mall of Irvington (5501 E. Washington St.), Black Sheep Gifts (5626 E. Washington St.), Bittersweet (5543 E. Washington St.), Central Ace Hardware (1025 N. Arlington), Coal Yard Coffee (5547 Bonna Ave.), and Deering Cleaners (1160 N. Arlington). Sand for the bags can be picked up for free at Ellenberger Park parking lot near the pool. When you purchase supplies from these shops, the proceeds go directly back into the budget for next year’s Luminaria and is sponsored by the Historic Irvington Community Council.
This year’s weather report for Saturday night may include snow, rain, or a combination thereof. If you are going to participate, you might have a backup plan of those LED lights that won’t fizzle out when they get wet.
Keep an eye out for the The Central Indiana Bicycling Association (CIBA) Luminaria Bike Ride, which will start in Broad Ripple on Cornell Ave. Families are invited to join in a shorter loop, approximately 8 miles, meeting at 16th and the Monon on the trail south of 16th. The main group which will be arriving around 5:50 – 6:00 p.m. This is ideal for parents with trailers or trail-a-bikes. Kids riding alone must be capable of riding 12-15 mph minimum. This is not the ride for children on training wheels. Headlights and taillights are required because the ride will be held at night. Visit the CIBA Web site, www.cibaride.org for more information about the annual Luminaria ride.
At the Benton House (312 S. Downey), there will be an open house from 7-9 p.m. with Christmas lights, music, refreshments, and much more. Up the street, visit the Irvington Historical Society Christmas exhibit of International Harvester toys. The Bona Thompson Center will be open from 6 to 10. Parking is available in the lot north of the building.
Continuing another popular tradition, Santa Claus will be in South Irving Circle Park from 6 to 10 p.m. He will be there with his 1890s antique sleigh ready to pose for free pictures with children, adults, and pets. The Friends of Irving Circle will serve free cocoa and cookies as well as Starbucks donated coffee. The Circle will also be lined with lights, thanks to the hard work of the Friends of Irving Circle.
The Black Hat Society of Irvington, those talented “witches” that made their debut at the Halloween Festival, will also be appearing at 7 p.m. at the South Irving Circle. Be sure to catch them!
Check out the Coal Yard Christmas Jazz event from 6-9 p.m. Cool jazz, warm beverages, and refreshments will be on hand — and rumor has it that Santa will be putting in an appearance. Coal Yard Coffee is located at 5547 Bonna Ave.
For those who wish to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, Irvington Presbyterian Church (55 Johnson Ave.), Irvington United Methodist Church (30 N. Audubon), and Our Lady of Lourdes (5333 E. Washington St.) will be open from 6-8 p.m. for quiet reflection.
The Luminaria committee is looking for individuals to assist with assembling and positioning the Luminarias on Dec. 18. If you would be interested in volunteering please call Nancy at 317-908-2571 This would also be a great way to get in those service hours for school or community participation for a scout group.
