Old Greenwich brings holiday lights back to Sound Beach Avenue

Holiday lights are coming back to Sound Beach Avenue in Old Greenwich, with local merchants picking up the electric bill and a community fundraising campaign covering the rest.

The Old Greenwich Merchants Association launched its annual lighting campaign to fund the installation and maintenance of seasonal lights along the avenue, the Greenwich Sentinel reported in October. The campaign aims to keep the lights on from late November through February. Community donations support the displays while local merchants cover electricity costs.

The association is bringing the display back after last winter's community-supported effort, according to Greenwich Free Press. The association said donations can be made through its website.

Two programs, two neighborhoods

The Sound Beach Avenue campaign is organized separately from the holiday lighting program in downtown Greenwich and Cos Cob. Those displays are funded through private contributions to the Greenwich Community Foundation, with no municipal taxpayer money involved. The Greenwich Association of Realtors launched a matching donation program of up to $10,000 to support the downtown and Cos Cob lights, according to the Sentinel.

Both programs rely on private donations and merchant support rather than public funds. They are run by different organizations and cover different parts of town.

Permanent evergreen and First Light

The association also announced plans to plant a permanent evergreen at the Old Greenwich firehouse, according to Greenwich Free Press. The tree will be in place for First Light, the annual celebration along Sound Beach Avenue.

First Light is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. The event will feature caroling, fire truck rides and a tree lighting at the firehouse.