Suffield Alight Was a Delight for All

Our annual Tree Lighting event, “Suffield Alight!”, has become a beloved community tradition since 2020, filled with music, lights, community spirit and festive activities that truly capture the magic of the season. If I could describe the event in one word, that word would be “magical”! We have thoughtfully and purposely, grown the event each year, finding that delicate balance of having fun things to do, without losing the small town feel that makes Suffield so special.

I was inspired by Donna Carney-Bastrzycki’s stories and pictures of Austrian winter markets and debuted a new Holiday Market on the Town Green. This added the perfect touch with vendors lining the Town Green, offering a wide variety of seasonal goods including baked treats, holiday greenery, homemade jewelry and unique gifts—perfect for anyone looking to start their holiday shopping locally. The new market, thoughtfully arranged with decorative lighting along the booths, gave the entire green a beautiful look and feel. Many attendees commented that it felt like stepping into a Hallmark movie.

Food trucks added to the festive atmosphere, with popular offerings from Indulge Donuts, Fire on the Mountain, Cousins Maine Lobster, Chick-fil-A, Fat City Kid and the ever-popular kettle corn from the Boy Scouts, filling the air with familiar aromas. Adding an outdoor essential, Suffield Rotary handed out hundreds of free cups of hot chocolate, once again demonstrating what an outstanding community organization and valued part of our town the Rotary is.

Holiday music set the tone for the evening, led by WMAS 94.7’s Chris Kellogg, host of The Kellogg Krew, who guided the crowd through seasonal favorites. Activities filled the green and surrounding areas, giving families plenty to see and do. At First Church, the Cetto Chamber Singers presented a beautiful chorale concert and made a generous donation to the Senior Center Kitchen Fund, further highlighting the spirit of giving that defined the day.

Volunteers always play a special role in Town events, and this one had many opportunities to give back to the community. Thanks to students from Suffield High School and Agri-science and community members who generously donated their time, families enjoyed horse-drawn wagon rides in front of beautiful Suffield Academy, where students and staff also shared complimentary hot chocolate. Festive trolley rides along historic Main Street, led by Stephanie Salerno and her crew, were another highlight of the evening.

Kent Memorial Library hosted a screening of Frozen, welcomed special guest visitors, and offered multicultural readings celebrating other holidays observed in December. Live ice carvings—one transforming into a large ornament and another into snowflakes and penguins—drew crowds, as did a surprise appearance by the Grinch. The undeniable “hot spot” of the night was the new oversized illuminated ornament, built and donated by Jerry Macari and John Legg, where a steady line of visitors waited to capture the perfect family photo.

I would like to extend sincere thanks to all volunteers, staff, and departments who made the night so special, including Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, the Parks & Recreation Commission, Dave Camera, Rick Neis, Robin Zatony, Stephanie Salerno, Chris Viscel, Shannon Foley, Kris Lambert, Bethany Sullivan, Kelly Blais, Colin Moll and the First Selectman’s Office, Lee Corbert and the Department of Public Works, Police and Fire Departments, Suffield Volunteer Ambulance Association, Kent Memorial Library, Planning and Development, Youth Services, Senior Center and Mini-Bus Transportation, Lemmens Creative Design, and Suffield Academy. The Parks & Recreation Department (Donna Carney-Bastrzycki, Dan Leonard, Pam Cocca, Eric Hamylak) led the organization of the event and the successful launch of the new Holiday Market, helping to create a truly magical evening for the Suffield community.

An event with so much to offer would not be possible without the strong support from our friends at PeoplesBank. They are a joy to work with and really have an interest in the Suffield community. The Parks & Recreation Department will be forming a group of volunteers to help with the planning and operations for next year’s Suffield Alight! & Holiday Market. If you are interested in joining the group, please email your name and phone number to, recreation@suffieldct.gov. Ed Note: Thanks, too, to Peter Leclerc for his time and effort!