A resilient spirit in the face of COVID shutdowns will bring joy to many this weekend.
Carlyle Library’s Jennifer Sedor came up with a play on the twinkle tour that has been a part of the Dickens’ Village Festival for years. No festival, no problem!
This year not only will the homeowners have the opportunity to strut their stuff, but all Carlyle and area residents will have an opportunity to drive around and judge the best light show.
All the registrants, approximately 25 as of Sunday, will have their location put onto a map online. Those wanting to enjoy the lights and judge the best house just need to access the map, follow the route and submit their survey online. The survey link will be on the library’s Facebook page, the Dicken’s Village Festival Page and the Town of Carlyle website, but people will have to drive around to see the houses as no pictures will be posted, just the locations.
With no Dickens Festival and nothing to do that weekend, Sedor excitedly said, “This is something fun to do when there is literally nothing fun to do! We just thought ‘what if we could make a map so that everyone could participate?’ Now it is not just for those decorating their houses and select Dickens Festival judges. People who can’t decorate can plan an evening out to see and judge which one they think is the best.”
Judging runs from Nov. 27-29. After that, watch for the traditional Dickens’ Festival Winner signs to be posted on locations the first weekend in December which is the traditional Dickens’ Festival weekend.
For those who do not have access to the internet, the Carlyle Library will have a paper copy of the map with a list of houses on the tour and will take your vote to put into the final tally.
“Of course there are more people who have put up lights that are not in the competition so it will be a well-lit town this year,” Sedor said, encouraging everyone to get out and have a look.
You can call the Library at 306-453-6120 for more details. Library hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thursdays, when it is open until 6 p.m.
