Christmas tree, menorah made from recycled bicycle parts
For the third year in a row, the City of Beacon and BeaconArts are teaming up for the city’s annual tree lighting on Dec. 13, coinciding with Beacon’s monthly Second Saturday celebration. The festivities will take place in the pocket park at the intersection of Route 9D and Main Street, directly adjacent to the Beacon Visitor Center.
Starting at 3 p.m., the Wee Play Community Project will organize a simple craft for younger children under the shelter of tents provided by the City of Beacon. Prior to Santa’s arrival, the Beacon Music Factory and the Center for Creative Education will be on hand to celebrate with music and dance. Santa will arrive via pedicab provided by Peoples Bicycle to officially welcome the spirit of the holidays to Beacon at around 4 p.m.
Sculptor Ed Benavente is the artist behind what is becoming a beloved and unique tradition for the City of Beacon: “Bicycles, like communities, are powered by people.” The tree, which has doubled in size since its inaugural appearance in 2011, is fabricated entirely of recycled bicycle parts. This year, surprise new upcycled elements will be added.
BeaconArts and Benavente are also collaborating with the Beacon Hebrew Alliance on a bicycle menorah. On each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, the different candles of the menorah — or in this case the wheels — will be illuminated to honor a different segment of the Beacon community. This unique bicycle/menorah will also be located at Polhill Park and will be lit at approximately 5:30 p.m. from Tuesday, Dec. 16, through Wednesday, Dec. 23. Visit beaconhebrewalliance.org for more information on BHA and their programs.
Kicking off the season from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, BeaconArts will be hosting their 5th annual BeaconArts Winter Holiday Membership Bash. This year’s event will be held at the Hop, a craft beer and artisanal fare tasting room, which recently relocated to 554 Main St. in Beacon. Members receive a free beverage. For more information on how to support the arts in Beacon and become a member of BeaconArts, go to beaconarts.org/join.
