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Public to Become Part of Sunday's Grand Illumination TraditionBy Sam Thrift Saturday, December 03, 2011 
Fireworks will light up the sky Sunday in Colonial Williamsburg during the 77th Annual Grand Illumination. (photo courtesy Colonial Williamsburg)
The tradition of Grand Illumination began in 1934 with the first recreation of an 18th century Christmas in Williamsburg, featuring single candles in windows and garlands of historic area buildings. The celebration has evolved into a modern event with historic themes, including a new aspect that will allow visitors to participate. For the first time, the public can participate in the lighting ceremony at 6:35 p.m. when thousands of guests will be invited to activate glow sticks simultaneously to illuminate the town, according to a press release. But don’t wait until the lighting ceremony to come Grand Illumination; the event begins at 5 p.m. when candles are lit in the windows of public buildings, shops and homes. Shortly afterwards, the entertainment will begin on outdoor stages at Palace Green, Market Square, Gaol and Capitol Building. Following the lighting ceremony, Colonial Williamsburg’s Fifes and Drums play Grand Tattoo to signal the beginning of Colonial Williamsburg’s holiday season. At a new time of 7 p.m., fireworks will fill the sky over the Historic Area from four locations: the Governor’s Palace, Market Square, and the north and south sides of the Capitol building. Click here for some insider tips on the best places to sit for the fireworks and how to avoid parking too far from the festivities. Colonial Williamsburg is also inviting attendees to share their photos and video of the event online, in real time, at Facebook.com/ColonialWilliamsburg and www.twitter.com/colonialwmsburg. For more information on the event, click here. |
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Comments
While the addition of the glow sticks idea is sure to be a kid pleaser, won't it also douse some of that olde worlde charm that has come set Colonial Williamsbufg's Grand Illumination apart from other events?
The aire of yesteryear that seems to permeate our unique celebration is part of the appeal. The ample crowds that attend C.W.'s Grand Illumination are generally polite, well-behaved, and altogether pleasant to be around, unlike the crowds at so many modern celebrations, and I believe this is at least partly due to that very same aire of olde worlde charm and culture. Why would we want to lose that?
More modern isn't always better. If we want modern, we can go to downtown Norfolk for their Grand Illumination. Let's keep the "Colonial" in our Williamsburg Grand Illumination.