Millerton’s Festival of Lights ushers in the holiday season

Millerton’s Festival of Lights ushers in the holiday season

The Grinch Mobile was part of the procession of the Festival of Lights in Millerton on Friday, Nov. 29.

Photo by Olivia Valentine

MILLERTON — Holiday cheer was in abundance in Millerton at the annual Festival of Lights this past weekend, a celebration of the spirit of the season, which appropriately began following a brief but seasonal snowfall.

Starting with the lighting of the holiday tree, and featuring an array of festively decorated vehicles, onlookers enjoyed a brightly illuminated steady procession of participants from various regional fire departments, local businesses and houses of worship.

Holiday tunes filled the air as the parade moved down Main Street. Fire trucks from Kent, Connecticut, Pine Plains, Milan, North East and more led the way and lit up the night. Spectators from near and far lined up on both sides of the street. They waved enthusiastically at the procession, sang along with the music and snapped photos on their cell phones to capture the merriment. Small bags of candy were tossed to the crowd from participatory vehicles from Watson Livery Services and the Faith Baptist Church, amongst others.

The Festival of Lights, however, is only one component of the holiday weekend kickoff in town. While it may be the main event, through the efforts of the Millerton Business Alliance, an array of activities was laid out over the weekend. On Friday, Nov. 29, the fun included a free screening of “Prancer” at The Moviehouse, followed by hot chocolate and snacks at Veterans Park courtesy of NBT Bank. Additionally, there was cookie decorating at the North East Community Center, free hayrides, and a performance by the Salisbury Brass Band.

The Salisbury Brass Band warmed up a chilly audience with some holiday favorites on Friday, Nov. 29.Photo by Krista A. Briggs

Saturday at the NorthEast-Millerton Library featured a book giveaway and crafts at their annual “Thankful for Reading” event, marking the transition from Thanksgiving to the December holidays. Other weekend events included the Woodworking Expo at the Irondale Schoolhouse, samplings of seasonal treats at certain locales, and holiday sales from participating proprietors.

Mother and daughter Liz and Nika Dellureficio enjoy some festive tunes.Photo by Krista A. Briggs

Echoing a sentiment felt by many that day, “Now it really feels like the holidays,” said Liz Dellureficio of Ancramdale, who was enjoying the brass band performance with her daughter Nika. Salisbury Brass Band provided the music, offering performances of traditional seasonal fare such as “Silent Night” and “O, Come All Ye Faithful.” Bandleader Perry Gardner, subbing for usual band director, Brian Viets, was quick to praise the talented musicians in his corps, adding that the band is always on the lookout for additional musicianship to swell their ranks. “Recruitment is an issue,” Gardner explained, saying the Salisbury Brass Band welcomes all interested parties, not just at the holidays, but year-round.

While the band played on, others, such as the Tong and Christiansen families, took a break from the music to opt for a ten-minute hayride around town, braving the day’s chilly temperatures while being greeted by friendly onlookers around the neighborhood. As the concert and various activities took place, shopkeepers could be seen about town stringing up colored lights, hanging garland, wreaths, and decorations.

For warmth and sustenance, NBT Bank provided free cocoa and cookies in the afternoon. Kevin Cantele and Jamie Long of NBT noted a downturn in attendance this year from last year’s event as well as the absence of the ice-carving exhibition, but explained business had been particularly brisk when theater-goers exited The Moviehouse in the early afternoon. “The kids get to watch a movie, and when it’s over, they come over here for hot chocolate and snacks,” Cantele said.

The Millerton holiday tree stands tall. Photo by Olivia Valentine

As darkness set in, snow began to fall, making the start of the season postcard-perfect. While the snowfall eased shortly thereafter, attendees at the Festival of Lights couldn’t have asked for the stage to be set any better than it was on that chilly evening in Millerton.

Latest News

Beekman Park sidewalk project stalled after DOT halts work

Orange safety cones mark off the incomplete sections of sidewalk along Route 44 in Amenia near the entrance of Beekman Park. Town officials say multiple mistakes and poor communication with contractor Southern Industries Corporation caused delays and a stop-work order from the state Department of Transportation.

Photo By Nathan Miller

AMENIA — Work on the new sidewalk along Route 44 near Beekman Park has stalled after the New York State Department of Transportation issued a stop-order in January over safety concerns.

Amenia Town Supervisor Rosanna Hamm first disclosed the stoppage at an April 1 Town Board meeting. She said the matter is being handled by the town’s attorney, and it’s still unclear what the next steps will be, but she holds out hope that the work will resume soon.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millbrook local leads tech startups from solar-powered farmhouse

John Merryman stands in front of a ground-mounted solar panel array that supplies electricity to his home in Millbrook.

Photo by Graham Corrigan

MILLBROOK — Technology and tradition are often at odds. But on John Merryman’s Millbrook property, they have coalesced. Familiar sights remain: The knees of his jeans are spattered with mud after a morning planting grass seed. The tires of his solar-powered farm cart are similarly smudged. It’s just another day tending to the various needs of Merryfield Farm, Merryman’s Millbrook horse farm.

Merryman purchased the property in 2022, seeking to turn aging stables into a haven for his passions. Since then, he’s turned the property into a home for his tech business and his horses.

Keep ReadingShow less

'Un Real' paintings

'Un Real' paintings
Photo by Leila Hawken

Local art lovers were attracted to the Millbrook Library for the opening of the gallery’s latest exhibit, “Un Real,” on Friday, May 8.The works of six area artists are being shown, including left to right, Laura Von Rosk, Betsy Brandt, Daniel Walworth, Sharon Bates, Monica Miller Link and Fern Apfel. Sponsored by the Millbrook Arts Group, the exhibit features the works of six area artists and will continue until June 28.

google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

Amenia officials prepare for impending Comprehensive Plan update
Amenia Town Hall on Route 22.
Photo by Nathan Miller

AMENIA — Town Board members began to discuss their duties in updating the town’s comprehensive plan in preparation for an update to the document that serves as a guide for officials.

The discussion began on Thursday, May 7, as volunteers work to complete the first update to the town’s comprehensive plan since 2007.

Keep ReadingShow less
Two democrats seek open seat on Amenia’s Town Board
Amenia Town Hall on Route 22.
Photo by Nathan Miller

AMENIA — Voters will have a chance to fill the vacant seat on the Town Council this year after the board has spent nearly two years with an incomplete roster of four voting members.

Two candidates — democrats Damian Gutierrez and Kimberley Travis — are eyeing the seat. Both are seeking the democratic party line on the ballot in November, and will face off in a primary election on June 23.

Keep ReadingShow less

Legal Notices - May 14, 2026

Legal Notices - May 14, 2026

Legal Notice

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company Name: Bluestem Fieldworks LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on March 6, 2026 Office Location: Dutchess County, NY. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 22 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.