Luminaria: A Village of Light

By Becca Vianello Hlad Luminaria Chair

Luminaria is one of my favorite nights as our Village transforms into a glowing winter wonderland. This year will be my last year leading the event alongside many other amazing moms of the Mariemont Preschool Parents Group (MPPG).

Luminaria has been a constant tradition in my life while growing up here. Some of my first memories are waiting to get a glimpse of Santa as he arrived in the Old Towne Square. As a teen, I enjoyed singing carols with my family and friends. Later in life, Luminaria was where my husband, Lorne, and I would have our first date. My middle child, Noah, was born on Luminaria night in 2016.

The most special Luminaria I have experienced so far, however, was in 2020. Despite going through a rough year with Covid, MPPG and our Village persevered and continued the tradition. I had given birth to our youngest child, Luke, two weeks prior to Luminaria that year. We knew in utero Luke would have some complications, and he needed surgery after birth for his kidneys. After spending two weeks at Children’s

Hospital, Luke was doing well enough to be discharged. When we left to drive home, it was dusk. As we drove into Mariemont, we realized that this night was Luminaria. It was the best welcoming home our family could ever have. Seeing our Village all lit up gave us hope, peace, and joy through a difficult time.

Our son’s name (Luke) means “Light,” and we decided early in the pregnancy to name him Luke as he would be our light through any darkness we may face ahead. Little did we know, Luke’s light would shine throughout our Village when he would finally come home to Mariemont.

I hope this year’s Luminaria gives everyone a sense of peace and joy as we experience the beauty of light all around us. We will celebrate in this light as we gather on Saturday, Dec. 7th from 5:30-8 p.m. in the Old Towne Square. Grab a free hot chocolate and donut while taking in the beautiful decorations, listen to glorious music at the Chapel, and stroll down our lovely streets on foot or in a horse drawn carriage. It is a magical experience for young and old.

Please be a part of lighting up our community. If you have not ordered luminaria kits yet,

YOU ARE INVITED TO THE RE-GRAND OPENING WITH A PURPOSE

The UPS Store

7439 WOOSTER PIKE CINCINNATI, OHIO 45227

SATURDAY

NOVEMBER 16TH, 2024 12PM - 3PM

COME MEET THE TEAM & ENJOY LITE REFRESHMENTS, RAFFLES, 50% OFF OF SHREDDING ON SITE, CHILDREN ACTIVITIES, AND MORE.

PLEASE JOIN US BY DONATING CANNED GOODS OR DRY FOODS TO THOSE IN NEED FOR THE HOLIDAY a limited number will be available at the Boy Scout Christmas Tree Sale (located at the Mariemont Municipal Building) on November 29-Dec. 1 and on Dec. 7th from 12-4 p.m. Carriage ride tickets will be available Luminaria evening as well (cash only).

On behalf of MPPG and myself, thank you for supporting this wonderful tradition over the years that allows us to donate profits to local charities and Village projects to let us share the light with others. Let’s light up the night!

Luminaria Old Town Square Schedule

Saturday, December 7, 2024

• 5:30-8 p.m.: Carriage rides, free hot chocolate provided by Biggby Coffee, free donuts provided by Golden Hands Bakery, activity tables provided by our generous sponsors

• 5:50: MHS Choir sings carols in the Old Towne Square

• 6:00: Pastor Todd Keyes, Town Crier, Mayor Bill Brown, and MPPG President Alicia Stock kick off further events

• 6:10: Tree lighting with countdown by raffle winner

• 6:15: Estimated time of arrival for Santa and Mrs. Claus

• 6:30: The Dance Coalition performs on Cherry Lane

• 6:30: MHS Strings Orchestra performs in the Chapel

• 7:00: MHS Choir performs in the Chapel

• 7:30: MHS Strings Orchestra performs in the Chapel

• 8:00: Conclusion of carriage rides and all events