Northfield residents to put out luminaries as ‘one last hurrah’ for town’s 350th

By CHRIS LARABEE

Staff Writer

Published: 12-29-2023 10:44 AM

NORTHFIELD — Just as they did to kick off the town’s 350th anniversary celebration, residents are once again invited to light up the night as the festivities — and 2023 — come to a close Sunday night.

At 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31, folks are asked to put out luminaries on their walkways to send off the town’s 350th birthday with one last flash of light. All residents are encouraged to participate and can make luminaries with sand, bags and electric candles, or visit Dickinson Memorial Library, located at 115 Main St., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 30, to pick up supplies.

Stacy Bond, chair of Northfield’s 350th Anniversary Committee, said a good portion of the community joined in for the initial luminary event and she hopes even more people join this time after such a successful birthday celebration.

“We’re just hoping to have more participation than we had Jan. 1 of this year, now that everyone has seen what we’ve accomplished,” Bond said. “One last hurrah.”

With more than 50 events, headlined by a parade in September, the celebration, Bond said, met its theme of “Reconnecting Northfield.”

“We absolutely feel like we did that. We’ve hit so many corners of the town and brought in so many different organizations and people,” she said. “I feel like we blended as a community better and really made people aware of what Northfield really is.”

While Northfield turns 351 in 2024, the 350th Anniversary Committee’s website, northfield350.org, will stay up until the domain expires, so folks can check out the photo galleries put together by photographer Norm Eggert, as well as learn more about the town’s history and the celebratory events that were held.

Additionally, a time capsule will be buried in the spring.

As it all comes to an end, Bond said Dickinson Memorial Library has been a “key feature” throughout the planning and hosting of events, along with a countless numbers of volunteers who have dedicated years to this effort.

“I had no idea it would blossom to over 50 events and a humongous parade. … We’re really happy all the hard work has paid off and the fact that people are pleased,” she said. “I want to thank everybody in town. We look forward to seeing all their lights.”

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com or 413-930-4081.