Old Saybrook 23rd Annual Main Street Winter Stroll

Old Saybrook, CT –  The Main Street Business Association will present the 23rd Annual Main Street Winter Stroll on Friday, Dec. 2, 2011  Join the Main Street Business Association for a fun evening of hayrides, a visit with Santa, music and chorus singers, treats and events at each business along Main Street. Something for everyone 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

As a special added event will be the lighting of the town and state's 3rd annual official “Heroes Tree” at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center at 300 Main Street. Firefighter Don Lucas, from the Old Saybrook Fire Department will be flipping the switch.

The public is invited to the special 5:30 p.m. sharp tree lighting. Those gathered around the tree will pay tribute to the deceased, the injured and currently active members of our armed forces from Connecticut.

The "Heroes Tree" is adorned with Gold Stars for the deceased, Silver Stars for those injured, and Blue Stars for those serving this country from Connecticut since 09/11/2001. It was decorated by the WWII, Korean and Vietnam Veterans, their families and the members of the Old Saybrook community especially the children of Anita Mosher's middle school Art class who made the beautifully decorated paper stars.

During the tree-lighting ceremony in the Katharine Hepburn center, Chaplin Reverend Dr. Craig M. Whitcher, Chaplin from the Old Saybrook Fire Dept.will offer an invocation.

The concept behind the "Heroes Tree" comes from artist and Gold Star Mother Kathryn Cross. Cross is the President of the Department of Connecticut, American Gold Star Mother Volunteers, an 81-year-old organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. The "Heroes Tree" is designed to raise awareness toward those who gave their lives or were injured defending this country, and to honor the continuing sacrifices being made during this holiday season by the men and women in our armed forces.

The Katharine Hepburn center was chosen as the site of the "Heroes Tree" so the display could be easily visible to those passing by on Main Street during this holiday season.