(Methuen) Mayor Neil Perry cordially invites the residents of Methuen to the first annual Light the Falls with the Mayor on December 12, 2021, from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. This event focuses on bringing technology and the arts together for an enjoyable holiday experience.
Be a part of celebrating the holidays in this historic location in the heart of downtown Methuen. This event takes place at 45 Osgood Street, Methuen (parking at 48 Osgood Street), and will include a festive holiday light show, the Merrimack Valley A Cappella Chorus entertaining from 5:30 – 6:00 p.m., and light refreshments.
The falls will be lit in culturally diverse holiday colors every weekend night through the end of the year from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Additional specific events are planned as follows:
Saturday, December 4, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. Temple Emanu-El Makheila Choir will entertain with Hannukah Music, and light refreshments will be served.
Sunday, December 5, 2021, Special Extended Light the Falls show will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in conjunction with the Methuen Tree Lighting being held at The Loop.
Saturday, December 18, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. Grey Court Poets and Merrimac Mic Poets will be conducting poetry readings with themes of lights and holidays
Methuen Arts received $25,000 in grant funding from the Essex County Community Foundation, or ECCF, to bring the idea to life. Other funding, according to Mimi Leger from Methuen Arts, came from corporate sponsors including Enterprise Bank, crowd-sourced donations from a Facebook campaign and other private donors.
Money was used to install computer-powered lights on the side of the falls that are electronically controlled. The arts group then turned to Methuen-based Olson Electric, to use a hydro-powered generator built into the falls to power the lights. The display was designed by lighting architectural firm Lam Partners using lights from Lumenpulse, Leger said.
Everything came together when Department of Public Works Director Patrick Bower, City Councilor Eunice Zeigler, and Planning Director Kathleen Colewell lent a hand from City Hall and city employees connected the lights, Kraunelis said.
The goal is to start small with the showings over the holiday season, Leger said, and build up through next year as water flow allows.
See the Methuen Arts Facebook page and the City of Methuen social media for details about future Light the Falls events, including pop-up, musical accompaniments, as well as possible changes due to weather.
