The Edgewater Holiday Lighting Festival was inclusive of numerous holidays through November and December (Photo taken by Kalah Hardt)
At last night’s Edgewater City Council meeting, City of Edgewater Communications & Events Director Kalah Hardt read the following statement. We believe Kalah and the rest of the City of Edgewater staff deserve a shoutout for their holiday inclusion this November and December.
The City of Edgewater is excited to celebrate the diversity of religious and cultural holidays through public recognition and celebrations for Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.
Starting Sunday, November 28, the City of Edgewater, began the lighting of the Menorah in honor of Hanukkah. At dusk each night, the next candle was lit. On December 3, we hosted a Hanukkah Celebration, where we enjoyed coffee, challah, babka, and for many, learned more about the 8-day celebration.
On December 4, we hosted the Holiday Lighting Festival celebrating the holiday season by illuminating Memorial Park and parts of 25th Ave in festive colors for the remainder of 2021. At the Festival, we lit the 7th candle on the Menorah, hosted Santa, had a performance from the Original Dicken’s Caroler, and drank LOTS of Hot Chocolate. Tomorrow, our Recreation Coordinator, Monique Bechard is taking our Senior group on a holiday lights tour around the city and beyond, and hosting the Annual Senior Holiday & New Years Celebration on December 17th. On December 10, our youth Dance Classes will be having their annual Holiday Dance Recital, celebrating their talents through a variety of dance styles. In case you missed Santa last week, the HARP Board will be hosting Santa to meet residents at the Orum House on Saturday, December 18 from 2-4pm.
The City will also recognize Kwanzaa from December 26 through January 1. This year marks the 55th Anniversary of the holiday, based on the “first fruits” agricultural celebrations of Africa which were times of harvest, reverence, remembrance, re-commitment, and celebration. While not a religious holiday, Kwanzaa focuses on the cultural, ethical, and spiritual visions and values of African culture. The City of Edgewater created a space at the Civic Center for a kinara, which is the candle holder for seven candles that represent the Kwanzaa daily principles.
In the spirit of inclusiveness and to highlight the diversity of the City of Edgewater, the lights on the Civic Center will rotate to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa this year.
Please note these events are free to the public. We are closely monitoring COVID protocols, updates will be posted on the Town Cryer, City Website, and PlayEdgewater.com.
Joel has been a resident of Edgewater, Colorado with his family since 2012. He is the Executive Director of local education nonprofit Edgewater Collective and Editor of the Edgewater Echo.
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