City shines bright

NORWALK — A steady snowfall set the scene Saturday evening as families packed uptown for Light Up Norwalk, the city's annual holiday kickoff filled with music, food and free activities stretching across several blocks. Events ran from 5-8 p.m., with businesses and community groups offering treats and warm-ups all along East and West Main streets, Whittlesey Avenue and Benedict Avenue. Families stopped for photos at the Santa house and with holiday characters, and children flocked to the iceless skating rink, six bounce houses, a trackless train and horse-drawn carriage rides. The evening program included a live nativity at First Baptist Church, a glowing golf cart parade and a performance by the Norwalk High School choir at Suhr Park. Mayor Dave Light led the tree-lighting at 8 p.m., followed by the choir guiding visitors to a final nativity scene. The Norwalk Light Up Committee commended the city and event sponsors. "This year's event would not have been possible without our incredible sponsors and volunteers," a release from the committee states. "We look forward to lighting up Norwalk again next year." The committee commented on the "magical" feel of the event, comparing it to a holiday film. "Uptown looked like it belonged in a Hallmark movie," the release states. "The children embraced the snowy weather with joy and laughter." Snowfall, lights and music combined to turn uptown into a winter postcard and one of the busiest nights to create holiday memories.