Seasonal & Holidays
New Canaan Residents, Businesses Asked To Display 'Two Lights' To Celebrate USA's 250th
New Canaan residents and businesses are asked to display "two lights" in their windows in honor of Paul Revere's famous ride in 1775.
NEW CANAAN, CT — New Canaan residents and businesses are asked to display "two lights" in their windows this week as a kickoff to the nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Unites States in 1776.
According to a news release provided by the town, residents, business owners, government and cultural organization leaders are invited to display two lights on Friday and Saturday in honor of Paul Revere's famous midnight ride on April 18 and 19, 1775, before the start of the American Revolutionary War.
Displaying two lights, known across the country as Two Lights for Tomorrow, is supported by the America 250 CT Commission and the New Canaan 250th Planning Committee, according to the town.
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For the Two Lights displays, the fire marshal's office strongly suggests using electric light bulbs, flameless battery-operated candles or flashlights in windows instead of any device with a burning flame.
New Canaan participants are encouraged to share descriptions and photos of their lights on social media with the tag "#TwoLightsForTomorrow."
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The New Canaan 250th Planning Committee, established by First Selectman Dionna Carlson and chaired by Administrative Officer Tucker Murphy, has 18 members from across town organizations.
The group is planning a series of local events from June 14 to Nov. 11, 2026, to honor New Canaan’s history, community spirit and contributions to America's story, according to the town.
Local organizations are invited to mark the semi-quincentennial of the nation's founding by hosting "activities that showcase New Canaan’s rich heritage, civic pride and patriotic spirit."
Opportunities include exhibits, historical reenactments, lectures, walking tours of local landmarks, participating in the Fourth of July parade, showcasing art inspired by American history and organizing town-wide celebrations, according to the town.
All events will be included in a New Canaan 250th calendar on the town website.
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