Downtown Rye is going to be a lot brighter this winter.
The Rye Chamber of Commerce is partnering with The April May June Team of Compass Real Estate, who are the lead sponsors of a plan called “Light up Rye!” that will include wrapping trees along Purchase Street in lights.
“We had always admired the lights in neighboring towns, specifically Greenwich, and thought Rye would benefit from a similar installation,” said May Burke from Compass. “The winter months can be long and dreary, so what better way to enhance the appeal of being in town?
“We also feel strongly that our merchants and local businesses bring so much to our community that it was time to give back and draw people to downtown.”
The installation is to include a combination of lit spheres and fully wrapped trees in soft white, and be on display from November through February.
The sponsors also are looking to raise money from local residents and businesses to help finance the plan. How many lights are eventually installed will depend on how much money is raised. The lights will be installed by MC Holiday Lights on Long Island.
“This initiative will bring together the community by enhancing the downtown experience during the winter months and enticing people to come to town and dine, shop, stroll or just have a cup of coffee while being awed by the light show,” Burke said. “Simply put, we aim to bring joy to town.She said that the sponsors hope to install lights on as many of the 26 trees on Purchase Street as possible. “Donations of all sizes are appreciated and welcome, there is no standard or minimum,” she said. “The hope is that like our neighboring communities this project grows each year.”
Brian Jackson, president of the Board of the Rye Chamber of Commerce, said the Chamber is a “very supportive partner” to Light Up Rye! He credited the April, May, June team at Compass with “this wonderful idea” and “spearheading this initiative and organizing all of its components.”
According to the Chamber’s website, the Chamber “sponsors events throughout the year to showcase the greater Rye community and create awareness of our unique town and its many wonderful businesses and community activities that make Rye such a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family.”
Anyone wishing to contribute to Light Up Rye! can reach May Burke at may.burke@compass.com or June Hatch at june.hatch@compass.com.
Already the group has signed on other sponsors, including Fiona Dogan of Sothebys, Kim Arenas of Compass, Houlihan Lawrence, Gardner Law, Collins Brothers Moving Corporation, and Lisa and Paul Murphy of Houlihan Lawrence.
The Kim Arenas Team at Compass said on Instagram: “Together as a community we can find a beautiful illuminated tree light attraction this winter, adding a touch of magic to a charming downtown.”