“Canada, The Home of Winter” brings Northern Lights to Grand Central Terminal
Canada is one of the best places on the planet for viewing the northern lights. To give New Yorkers a taste of the majestic aurora borealis, Destination Canada is bringing an immersive northern lights experience to one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks, Grand Central Terminal. From December 9 to 11, commuters and visitors who pass through Grand Central’s Vanderbilt Hall will find themselves walking into a Canadian landscape, where they can step inside an interactive northern lights installation presented by Canada, the Home of Winter.
Into the Northern Lights: An Immersive Experience is brought to life in collaboration with world renowned Montréal-based multimedia entertainment studio, Moment Factory. The immersive experience gives visitors the perspective of walking through the northern lights, thanks to a floor-to-ceiling, mirrored light display that incorporates breathtaking audio and interactive visuals to emulate the mesmerizing beauty of the northern lights.
“As a Montréal-based company with a studio in New York, we’re proud to be able to bring a bit of our Canadian culture—and winter magic—to the most iconic transportation hub in the city,” said Jamie Reilly, producer at Moment Factory. “For the first time, New Yorkers will experience what it feels like to walk through the northern lights in their own city.”
“Canada is the home of winter, and we are thrilled to bring one of Canada’s most memorable and iconic travel experiences–the northern lights–to our friends in New York,'' said Gloria Loree, Senior Vice President, Marketing Strategy & Chief Marketing Officer, Destination Canada.
“Whether it’s marveling at the northern lights as they dance across the sky, spending time with family at one of our vibrant winter festivals, or hitting the slopes with friends, it’s these moments together that make winter in Canada nothing short of magical. This installation is designed to give Americans a taste of the beauty, wide open space and adventure that awaits them in Canada, and encourage them to visit this winter.”
“We saw 85% of pre-pandemic ridership last Saturday which shows that the energy, enthusiasm and vitality of New York City is back and we are thrilled to welcome everyone,” said Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi. “This majestic multimedia display fits perfectly in the most beautiful train terminal in the world."
Destination Canada wants to send one lucky winner and their guest on a dream trip to Canada to experience the Home of Winter in its most beautiful form. To enter to win and for full contest details please visit: canadawintergiveaway.dja.com
Winter is when Canada comes to life. It’s a season full of spectacular outdoor experiences and indoor comfort—one that Canadians take pride in and are eager to share. From world-class ski resorts, to charming towns, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, we invite travelers to head north this winter to discover the beauty and adventure that awaits in Canada. To discover more and book your next winter vacation in Canada, visit CanadaHomeofWinter.com
William Burr House Candles Light Home for 170th Holiday Season
Candles in each window pane, evergreen garlands around the entrance, and a handsome Christmas tree in the parlor bring passersby back in time 170 years as the William Burr home, built in 1851, prepares for another Christmastime season. Located on Long Lots Road, the Italianate style home is one of several on the historic stretch of roadway that marks Westport’s historic past and remembers its most notable figures. WestportLocal.com photo
Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 4; State Hospitalizations Up 1, Positivity Rate Down, Higher Death Rate for Unvaccinated
The Westport-Weston Health District reported 4 new COVID-19 cases for Westport since Yesterday. The State’s daily test positivity rate was up to 6.48% while hospitalizations were up 1 patient. The State of Connecticut announced further statistics - reporting that just 1.06% of the COVID-19 cases were contracted by fully vaccinated individuals in Connecticut through December 2nd, and that unvaccinated individuals faced 31.1X greater chance of dying from the disease compared to those fully vaccinated according to State hospital and local data.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 2,260 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 32 deaths.
State Daily Test Positivity: 6.48% [up from 4.98%]
State Hospitalizations: 576 patients [+1]
REVOLUTION! Patriots Rally To Defend Putnam Park
Colonials fire on advancing British Troops
On Saturday Decemebr 4th, American Patriots of Connecticut's 5th Regiment faced the British army in a "battle" at Israel Putnam Memorial State Park in Redding, known as Connecticut's Valley Forge. The walk returned this year after being cancelled in 2020 due to COVID.
Battle lines were drawn, musket volleys rang out again and again, artillery fire came from Howitzers on both sides and spectators saw both American and British troops lying on the cold ground, mortally injured. Snipers hid in the woods. The battle ended with a "parley", a discussion between both commanders to negotiate the terms of the battle's conclusion which resulted in the Patriots holding their ground.
Patriots open fire with their Howitzer.
Nearly two hundred adults, teens and younger children were in attendance, one of the larger crowds in recent years. They listened closely as Ellery Leary, who majored in both history and archaeology and was associated with Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History in New Haven led the walk and provided the narrative of the park's history in the American Revolution. Members of CT's 5th Regiment read entries from the actual diaries of soldiers who were stationed in Redding 243 years ago.
The camp was created by General Putnam after British troops landed at Compo Beach on April 25, 1777 and marched through Redding to burn General Washington's main supply depot in Danbury. On their march back to Westport through Ridgefield they encountered both Major General David Wooster and Brigadier General Benedict Arnold, then a leading Patriot general who inflicted casualties on the British. Famously, a cannonball from that battle is still lodged in the wall of the Keeler Tavern Museum.
Most encouraging was the sight of more young people than ever both in the crowd and also as reenacts as both Patriots and British soldiers. More information can be found at PutnamPark.org.
Photos copyright by J.C. Martin for WestportLocal.com. Reproduction strictly prohibited without permission.
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