With one week to go before Warren's re-imagined holiday festival, homeowners across town are going all in on organizer Marilyn Mathison's suggestion that they light their homes en masse next Friday night, and spend time with their neighbors.

The festival usually draws thousands to downtown Warren for the town's ceremonial tree and street lighting, but will not be held in its usual format this year as the town deals with the worsening Coronavirus pandemic.

Instead, Ms. Mathison said Warren will "go dark" prior to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27. At the appointed hour,  the town siren will ring from Town Hall, letting residents know it is time to turn on the lights.

After Warren switches on its lights, she hopes residents will safely and respectfully take a walk through the neighborhood, greeting neighbors in good cheer.

She has heard from some residents across town and was thrilled to learn that many are planning to stage their biggest Christmas displays ever.

"One said the Griswolds will have nothing on them," she said, referring to the Chevy Chase holiday movie that features elaborate home decorations.

"People are thinking about lighting fires in their backyards and having little outdoor get-togethers," she said. "That's what we were hoping."

Apart from the do-it-yourself lighting, the Warren Fire Department plans to send Santa throughout Warren's neighborhoods and Ms. Mathison said she is hopeful that every neighborhood in town will be paid a visit.
The holiday festival usually continues the Saturday after lighting with workshops, classes, bell ringing, carols and more throughout downtown.

Though she still isn't sure exactly how it will play out, Ms. Mathison said there will be a scavenger hunt for kids downtown, and supplies for various holiday projects will be available at checkpoints throughout the area. Parents and children can go to these checkpoints, pick up their packages and bring them back home for family fun. Prizes will likely be given out, Ms. Mathison said.

As response to the pandemic changes day to day, Ms. Mathison did not yet have a full list of activities, checkpoints and other details this week.

But she plans to by next week's publication. They will be published in the Warren Times Wednesday, Nov. 25 and can also be found at the Warren Holiday Festival's Facebook page.