The Stockbridge Festival of Lights kept tradition alive in socially distanced and virtual ways

by Stephanie Dunn

The disappointments that 2020 brought are too many to count, but one bright spot remained—the Festival of Lights sponsored by the Stockbridge Area Chamber of Commerce (SACC). This Festival was, literally, a bright, joyful, and glowing tradition that could safely be observed, either socially distanced or virtually, as a way to begin the winter holiday season in Stockbridge.

Many traditional events were enjoyed, albeit in a new way, at this year’s Festival of Lights on the usual Saturday after Thanksgiving, which also coincided with Small Business Saturday.

Unlike previous years, due to the pandemic there was not a parade to follow the lighting of the town square Christmas Tree at the festival. However, in the spirit of the usual tradition, a Grand Marshal of the Parade was still chosen this year prior to the parade being canceled. This year, the honor of Grand Marshal was bestowed on Mrs. Dorene White of Stockbridge.

Dorene celebrated a special 98th Birthday on November 11 this year (see her biography that accompanies this article). To acknowledge her selection as Grand Marshal, she was invited to a special photo shoot prior to the beginning of the Festival of Lights. Surrounded by her wonderful family, including son Larry, daughter Barbara and husband, and her grandson and great granddaughter, Dorene officially lit the Town Christmas Tree. Also on hand for the tree lighting was Becky Muraf, Stockbridge Township Clerk; Jodelle Sparks, President of the S.A.C.C.; and photographer Jena Smith.

While we wish the entire community could have all been together to celebrate this moment and acknowledge this special lady, the tree lighting was done separately to ensure it was done safely, for Dorene’s sake.

Although the Festival of Lights parade was canceled, a special time was set aside for Grand Marshal Dorene White to light the Town Square Christmas Tree in Stockbridge. Pictured (l-r): Dorene’s son Larry White; Dorene; Jodelle Sparks, President of the SACC; and Becky Muraf, Stockbridge Township Clerk. Photo credit: Jena Smith.

So as not to disappoint the little ones this year, Santa and Mrs. Claus were invited by Eaton Bank to greet all the area kids at the bank’s drive-thru. Children gave their letters and wish lists to Santa and received a goody bag through the window drawer, keeping everyone safe and healthy. Santa’s elves and reindeer accompanied Santa and Mrs. Claus when they moved to the bank lawn for keepsake photograph opportunities.

So as not to disappoint the children in a pandemic year, Santa and Mrs. Claus were on hand to greet them—in a safe, socially distanced way—at the Eaton Bank drive-thru. Photo provided by Stockbridge Area Chamber of Commerce (SACC).

Ice Sculptures by Miller Ice Sculptures decorated the Town Square. These shiny, glistening gems were works of art that entertained and amazed. Many other festive stations brought out the merry and bright in folks and provided more photo opportunities for visitors to the festival.

Downtown lights and music lit up the evening and helped make the festival merry and bright!  Music provided by DJ Phatboy and synchronized to the light show wowed the crowds into enjoying a rocking good time. The music ran simultaneously on 92.7 FM radio so folks at the square and at home could rock around the Christmas tree!

The Grinch has kind of been enjoying how the pandemic has turned things topsy-turvy in 2020, and he was determined to make an appearance this year. Cancellation of the parade did not stop the float with “The Grinch and the Who’s from Whoville” from making its way downtown.

To adhere to pandemic safety guidelines, other festival events were conducted virtually. The virtual Craft Show supplied an avenue for holiday shoppers looking for local crafts they love for the holidays. Two contests were ongoing even after the day of the festival: The Gingerbread House Contest and the Hometown Christmas Light Up Contest were scheduled to run through December 20, 2020, with winners announced on December 21.  See stockbridgeareachamber.org for entry and rules.

Debuting this year was the Hometown Holiday Chase. The Chase was a free, two-week scavenger hunt that made use of smartphones to take friends, families, or individuals through Gregory, Munith, and Stockbridge to find fun and promote shopping on Small Business Saturday. Thank you to all who participated and congratulations to the winners:

• 1st place: Team Deer Grands ($75 Santa Bucks)
• 2nd place: Team Jesslynn ($50 Santa Bucks)
• 3rd place: Team Hotsteppers ($25 Santa Bucks)
• Honorable Mention went to the following teams:  LOL, 2CrazyPeople, E&R on the Hunt, Chapman231, It’s A Wonderful Life, Manihe Goosey, Mischievous Elves, Pouncing Panther, Team 2020, The Conants, Woodman Elves, and Dunn on the Run

A very special Christmas Ornament featuring our very own Stockbridge Township Hall can still be purchased for $6 at two local stores in downtown Stockbridge: Plane Food Market, 121 East Elizabeth Street and My Body Shop, 401 N. Clinton Street. The ornament commemorates our Hometown Traditions and the Festival of Lights.

The Stockbridge area community continues to face challenges this year and many traditions and festivals have been cancelled. But thanks to our determined and creative community, the hometown holiday tradition of the Festival of Light was enjoyed safely by many—especially the children. Please continue to support our local community and businesses.

Dorene White: A Biography

written by Mary Dorene White

This short biography highlights the life of Dorene White, Grand Marshal of the 2020 Festival of Lights.

Dorene was born in a small rental home on the east edge of Stockbridge, to Ethel and Casper Glenn on Nov. 11, 1922.  A year of college and a year of secretarial school preceded her marriage to Curtis White on Oct.10, 1942. Following the years of WWII, the Whites settled back in Stockbridge, where they raised their family (Larry, Rick, Sally, and Barbara).

Dorene soon became involved in everything “Stockbridge,”  including school activities, the Legionettes, the Presbyterian Church, the family business, Arts Council, Garden Club, Festival Chorus, etc.

Before Curt died in Nov 1989, he told Dorene she should travel “after he was gone,” so travel she did! Her adventures were many, although she is done with the travels. She considers herself very fortunate to still be living in the house of her own design with considerable help from her oldest son Larry Jay White, who lives with her. She has been very blessed for 98 years.

Thank You Stockbridge

Santa and Mrs Claus, accompanied by elves and reindeer were available for photo opportunities.

The Grinch and the Whos from Whoville were interested to see how Stockbridge would celebrate its traditional Festival of Lights during this pandemic.

A sample submission from the virtual Gingerbread House Contest.

One of the glistening ice sculptures, by Miller Ice Sculptures, that was on display during the Festival of Lights.

One of many Festival of Lights displays set up for holiday photo opportunities.

A sample submission from the virtual Hometown Christmas Light Up Contest.

The 2020 Stockbridge commemorative ornament available for purchase ($6.00) at the Plane Food Market and My Body Shop in Stockbridge.