Brockport area residents will gather Sunday, December 2 for the Candlelight Walk which begins at 5 p.m. at Sagawa Park. The traditional tree-lighting, carols and a concert are part of the evening's events. Photo above taken at last year's event.

The second annual Candlelight Walk will be held in Brockport, Sunday, December 2. All are invited to attend and participate. The purpose of the Candlelight Walk is three-fold: to raise awareness that there are needy folks in our community, to raise money to help them, and to strengthen the bond of community in the holiday season.

The Candlelight Walk begins at 5 p.m. at Sagawa Park on Main Street in the village, next to the Brockport Diner. There will be a traditional tree-lighting ceremony at the park and the ringing of church bells, after which all are invited to walk a designated route through the historic village, each person holding a candle to help light the way. A drummer will lead the Candlelight Walk and various local singing groups and soloists will perform from porches of village homes as the walk proceeds. The walk will start down Holley Street, turn on Utica Street and then Monroe Avenue, to the Morgan Manning House (which will be specially decorated), proceed down South Street, and Park Avenue, and end at the Brockport Fire Hall on Market Street.

The Brockport High School Band will perform before the walk, from 4 to 5 p.m., at Sagawa Park. Flame protector Cups will be available during that time, with a donation of $2 asked for each cup. Participants should bring their own candle.There will be a limited supply of candles available, with donation of $1 asked for each. All proceeds will go to the Food Shelf and Toy Shelf in Brockport, which provide assistance to needy families.

The New Creation Gospel Choir and a silent auction of gifts and gift certificates with all proceeds going to the Food Shelf and Toy Shelf will take place at the Fire Hall after the walk. Brockport Mayor Josephine C. Matela, Vice Mayor Morton Wexler, and Village Trustees James E. Whipple, Norman J. Knapp and Peter C. DeToy are expected to attend. The village will provide free hot chocolate, and community members will be bringing home-baked cookies to serve, also free.

Last year's Candlelight Walk drew 350 people and raised $750 for needy families. Hopes are high for an even greater turnout this year. "They're coming to an event, it's not just a fund raiser," said Inga Songbird, coordinator of the Candlelight Walk. "And if by chance, you do not have the money for a candle or cup, please allow us to treat you to one. It would be our pleasure. This event is for the good of all concerned," she said.