Town is Bundling Up for Brookline's First Light 2012

Last night's snowfall may mean that winter is coming, but for many of Brookline businesses is it also means that First Light is in the air.

To welcome the holiday season, Brookline businesses get together in their neighborhoods to celebrate First Light. Visitors can expect food, fun and entertainment from a number of great local establishments. Beyond that, it is quite the social events, according to one of the sponsors, owner of Chobee Hoy & Associates Real Estate, Chobee Hoy.

Hoy told Patch over the phone, "What I like is that it's not just businesses, but citizens and artists get involved. That's what makes it special."

16 years ago, First Light started on a much smaller scale, and included just the Washington Square neighborhood.

"Then it just blossomed into what I think is a pretty premier event," Hoy said. "The people who come run the spectrum from very young to very old."

This year, it kicks off at Town Hall and takes place across Brookline Village, Coolidge Corner, JFK Crossing, Saint Mary’s, and Putterham Circle--as well as Washington Square, of course. 

Brookline residents Alejandro and Moira Siña are the creative minds behind Siña Lightworks, whose pieces will be on display all over town at The Fireplace Restaurant, Washington Square Tavern, Fire Opal, Muddy River Art Gallery, Clear Four Bakery, Chobee Hoy Associates and Town Hall.

Brookline Music School, the Brookline Arts Center, the Puppet Showplace Theatre are all joining the fun. Hoy's office is also bringing a balloon-sculpting clown in for the evening.

This year, organizers are also hoping to capture the most special parts of Brookline in a photography contest. The deadline for submissions was Nov. 1, and the photos are now being reviewed both by a panel of judges, and fans of the 1st Light Facebook page.

For more information, see the First Light website.