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11/23/2020 11:00 PMThe beloved tradition of gathering on the Town Green for the annual tree lighting has been put on hold this year at COVID-19 numbers are on the rise. While the traditional in-person tree lighting and festivities had to be canceled, the East Haven Chamber of Commerce is not letting the tradition fall away, instead opting for a virtual celebration.
“Due to COVID19 regulations from East Shore Department of Health, the Chamber of Commerce had a difficult decision to make,” said Mayor Joe Carfora. “I support the chamber’s difficult decision to hold a virtual tree lighting this year due to East Haven’s recent spike in COVID cases and our red alert status.”
The 2020 East Haven Chamber of Commerce Tree Lighting Ceremony will be broadcast on social media and ETV on Saturday, Nov. 28 at 4:30 p.m. While there won’t be the regular events such as bounce houses, horse-drawn carriage rides, s’mores, and cookie decorating, the chamber is working to incorporate other fun aspects into this year’s event.
“Planning our annual tree lighting ceremony is alway a special time for the Chamber of Commerce,” said Chamber Director Jennifer Higham in a letter to residents. “In order to keep this wonderful holiday tradition alive, the Chamber of Commerce will have a virtual tree-lighting ceremony.”
The program will be pre-recorded and include the tree lighting, messages from community members, local musical talent, and a guest appearance from Santa Claus. Thanks to resident Daniel Trickett, Sr., Santa will also be driving around town to visit on Nov. 28 (see his Person of the Week profile on page 2 for more details).
Decorating Contest
Inspired by a post on The Good Things About East Haven Facebook page, Higham and the chamber decided this was the year to bring back East Haven’s Holiday House Decorating Contest from the 1950s.
“During this crazy year that we have had, we would like to bring a little light to East Haven,” said Higham.
Residents can register their house at www.easthavenchamber.com to participate in the contest. Participants can take their own photo and submit to easthavenchamber01@gmail.com or sign up for a professional photo to be taken of your home by Jennifer Higham Photography. Entries must be received by Friday, Dec. 18. Entries will then be posted to an album on Facebook where voting will take place. The winner will receive an East Haven Business Gift Basket.
Those entering the contest can also opt in to be included on the map so residents can tour East Haven’s decked out houses.
The chamber also announced a brand new holiday event for 2020: Letters from Santa. In order to receive a letter from Santa, register on the chamber website where you will fill out a form with the name and address of the recipient. All ages are welcome to receive letters.
The chamber is also working with the North Pole collecting letters for Santa. Please include your address in the letter. Letters to Santa can be mailed to: Santa Claus c/o EHCC P.O. Box 120055 East Haven CT 06512.
For information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at www.easthavenchamber01@gmail.com.