The Irvington community will cap off the holiday season with its tradition of the Luminaria on Dec. 21 from 6-10 p.m. This is the 37th year for this unique neighborhood event.
Since 1976, the Irvington neighborhood has hosted an event reflecting both the beauty and spirit of the holiday season. On the Sunday before Christmas, a Luminaria is brought to life by Irvington residents who line their streets with thousands of candles.
Rose Mary Clark and Patty Hawkins, who began the event, said it best. “It’s just a simple little thing — putting a candle in a sack with four cups of sand.”
Irvington residents are encouraged to light their sidewalks with luminaria — candles placed in bags weighed down by sand — at dusk. Many neighbors use it as an opportunity to walk or bike through the streets to see the lights, and to stop at friend’s houses for hot chocolate and carols.
This year, stop by Irving Circle on Audubon Road for a special visit with Santa, who will be in his circa-1880 sleigh ready to pose for pictures with the kids. Folks in the know say he’s the best Santa in town. Pictures are free.
The wonderful West Baden Angels exhibit will be open at the Bona Thompson during the Irvington Winter Luminaria. Stop by the Bona for this free exhibit at 5350 E. University Ave.
Also on the agenda, a short stroll away from the Bona, is the traditional Benton House Open House, featuring refreshments and entertainment by Gerry Gray and Friends. The Benton House is at 312 S. Downey Ave.
Residents needing Luminaria supplies can visit Ace Hardware at 1025 N. Arlington, the Antique Mall of Irvington at 5501 E. Washington St., Black Sheep Gifts at 5626 E. Washington St., or Deering Cleaners at 1160 N. Arlington. Sand will be available in the Ellenberger Park ice rink parking lot, 5301 E. St. Clair St.; bring your own container and help yourself.