The Dresden community is coming together to make the town brighter than ever.
Dresden Shines is a collaboration of several community groups and organizations that will be decorating homes and businesses with lights and hosting a series of safe, family-friendly activities throughout the holiday season.
With large events like the Dresden Christmas Night Market placed on hold during the pandemic, volunteers were motivated to bring the community together with an ambitious goal to decorate as many buildings as possible.
Co-organizer Stuart Kiar says the idea came to him after the May 16th Miracle.
“Seeing the community come together so strongly and quickly during the food drive last May, I knew we could do it again during the holiday season. We have a huge list of volunteers and we work really well together, but there is a lot of work ahead of us,” says Kiar.
Organizers are encouraging Dresden and area residents to decorate their homes with lights as part of the Illumination Tour, which will give residents and visitors alike the opportunity to drive throughout the town and enjoy the festive displays. If you want to participate but can’t, co-organizer Liz Kominek says volunteers are ready to help.
“We want everyone to be able to participate in the Illumination Tour. If you need lights or if you need help putting them up, get in touch with us and we will be happy to help,” explains Kominek.
In addition, co-organizers Cindy Brewer says that community groups are each organizing self-guided, socially-distanced activities to run throughout the holiday season.
“There will be a scavenger hunt, a book trail, an amazing race organized by the BIA, a door decorating contest, lights and decorations in the downtown, and more. We can’t wait to see it all come together!”, says Brewer.
More information will be available on Facebook, Instagram (@DresdenShines), and on www.dresden.ca. Anyone interested in volunteering or sponsoring the event can e-mail the organizing team at: DresdenShines@dresden.ca.
