New Fairfield kicks off the holiday season with the 34^th Annual Run for the Turkeys on Sunday, November 18. The event begins with the Kids Fun Run around t
he track at 10:00 AM and the 5K Road Race 11:00, followed by the Health Walk. The highlights of this year’s event include digital timing, positional placing, raffle prizes and trophies to the top runners in each division. Come join in the fun with the band along the race route. Our Turkey Mascot will be there to cheer on the runners!

The 7^th Annual Light Parade and Tree Lighting will take place on Sat. Nov. 24th with a rain/snow date of Sun. Nov. 25th. The festivities will begin at the Library where Santa will be available for photos at his workshop from 12:30- 3:30. Though there is no fee involved for visiting with Santa, families must be pre-registered. You may pre-register on-line at parksandrec.newfairfield.org or by calling Parks and Rec at 203-312-5633.   Children may also leave letters for Santa in his mailbox located near the library entrance. After visiting Santa, families may visit the Gingerbread Man at his house located in the Children’s Library, or participate in other activities throughout town. For the complete schedule, visit the Park and Rec website at parksandrec.newfairfield.org. At 5:15, the Light Parade will begin. Many of our local organizations and businesses will be out displaying their holiday spirit with holiday floats and decorated vehicles. The parade route will start at the intersection of Saw Mill Rd. and Rt.37and continue through New Fairfield Center. At the light, it will turn left onto Rt.39 and proceed straight past the Town Hall and end at Memorial Field where the Tree Lighting will begin. Following the parade, join Santa for t
he lighting of the tree and caroling at Memorial field. Hot chocolate, coffee, and cookies will be served following the parade.

And don’t forget New Fairfield’s Great Holiday Light Fight! Do you enjoy decorating your house w
ith holiday lights? You could be the winner of New Fairfield’s Great Holiday Light Fight. To participate in this call Parks and Recreation at 203-312-5633 for a FREE entry form. Light displays should be lit up and ready for our judges viewing on December 6th from 6pm-9pm – the winner will be awarded a $100 gift card! Judges will use the following categories when deciding on a winner; holiday spirit, use of lights, and overall design. Participants will have an
option of adding their address to the list of “places to view holiday light creations” from December 1st through December 15th.

So grab your friends and family and head into Town for some holiday fun and don’t forget to shop local for the holidays!

– Pat Del Monaco, First Selectman