Once again, this year, The Holiday Trust Fund needs your support if the town is to continue the cherished tradition of lighting downtown Ridgefield during the holiday season. It was 25 years ago when the Chamber regretfully gave up supporting both the Halloween Walk and the Holiday Lights. It came before the Board of Selectpersons to advise us of this and a huge sigh of disappointment echoed through town. 

It was then the idea of establishing a citizen-supported Holiday Trust Fund (HTF) became a reality. With the support of the full Board of Selectpersons, a committee of two residents and Selectwoman Barbara Manners was created to raise funds for these events from the public at large. A letter was crafted and sent town-wide explaining the situation and asking for residents’ and businesses’ support so we could preserve two of the many traditions that keep our community feeling like a “small town.” It was 1999 and the mailing cost less than $2500.

The residents’ response was an outpouring of support that enabled the Town to not only sustain the Halloween Walk and the Holiday Lights, but to also set up a reserve fund for future years. That fund enabled the Town over the first decade to transition to LED lights, which significantly reduced the annual electricity bill. Twenty- five years later we are not in as fortunate a position. The years of COVID-19, and the rising cost of printing supplies and postage depleted all the reserves. There are no funds left for a town-wide mailing.

This year, to significantly reduce the cost of the mailing, letters were sent to the generous supporters who have consistently contributed in recent years, and to newcomers within the past few years. If you appreciate how much the Ridgefield traditions enhance our community and help make the town such a beautiful and fun place to live, consider contributing. 

Times change and communities evolve, Ridgefield among them. We strive vigorously to preserve that which holds us together, makes our town special and distinct from others, as we are wedded to the past while constructively managing the future. The cherished events won’t be able to continue without your support. 

Donate Today! 

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