Get Ready to ‘Light Up the Woo’ in the Canal District
Beginning Tuesday, December 8, businesses in Worcester’s Canal District will be competing to see who can decorate their storefront best for the holidays.
The first annual “Light Up the Woo” Canal District Decorating Contest will run until December 21 and hopes to fill the void of the annual Kelley Square Tree Lighting and the Canal District Holiday Stroll, both of which are canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Here are the official contest rules:
- Your business must be located in The Canal District.
- Light displays must be visible from the road or presented in social media posts (ex: Inside Worcester Public Market, etc) #LightUpTheWOO
- Displays may consist of any holiday, religious, or winter themes (family-friendly).
- All entries are due by Monday, December 21, 2020.
- All entries will be shared on The Canal District Facebook and Instagram Page.
- The winner will receive a Cash Prize of $150 and runner up $50 and BRAGGING RIGHTS!
- Enter by tagging your photo with #LightUpTheWOO On Instagram or Facebook
Free COVID-19 Testing this Week in Worcester
Free COVID-19 testing will take place again this week in Worcester. See the information below:
1. UMass Memorial Healthcare COVID-19 Equity Task Force and the City of Worcester
- Tuesday, Dec. 1, and Thursday, Dec. 3, 10:30 AM to 3 PM, Mercantile Center, 201 Commercial St.
- No appointment necessary
2. AIDS Project Worcester at QCC, 670 W. Boylston St.
- Monday, 8 AM to 12 PM; 1 PM to 4 PM
- Tuesday, 1 PM to 4 PM
- Wednesday, 8 AM to 1 PM
- Thursday, 8 AM to 1 PM
- All dates are appointment only.
Hanover Theatre Conservatory Classes are Now on Sale
Classes being January 11 at the Hanover Theatre and Conservatory of the Performing Arts and are available in-person or online.
There are more than 30 class offerings for students of all ages, including classes in acting, lighting, design, playwriting, and stage management for adults.
To sign up for a class, click here.
Here are Some Christmas Tree Decorating Safety Tips
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, one-third of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems and one-quarter start when the tree is placed too close to a heat source such as a fireplace, woodstove, radiator or space heater.
“It’s important to place your tree away from heating sources like fireplaces, woodstoves, radiators or portable heaters and make sure you don’t block your second way out of a room in case of emergency,” said State Fire Marshal Ostroskey.
Here are some tips from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services:
- Selecting a Tree: Natural trees should be given a fresh cut at the base and placed immediately in water. When purchasing a tree, buy one that is as fresh as possible. Tap the butt on the ground and grab a branch near the top and pull your hand along it slowly. Needles should not fall off. If you bend a needle and it breaks before bending in half, it’s too dry! If you use an artificial tree, select one with a flame retardant label.
- Caring for the Tree: Make a fresh cut an inch or two off the bottom before placing it in the stand. This will help with absorption. Water a live tree every day. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly.
- Placing the Tree: Place your tree in a non-tip style with wide feet, using extra wires if needed to keep it steady. Keep doorways and exits clear. Place your tree and decorations away from heaters, fireplaces, candles, and other sources of heat.
- Decorating the Tree: Purchase electric holiday lights that are listed by an approved testing agency and follow the manufacturer’s directions. Consider switching to new LED lights that are cooler and use less electricity. Before bringing out the older lights, inspect for frayed wires or other defects. Make sure the bulbs themselves are not touching the tree, curtains, wrapped gifts, and tree skirts. Never use lighted candles as decorations. Turn off the lights when leaving the house or going to bed for the night.
For more holiday safety tips, including on how to dispose of your tree after the holidays, click here.
WATCH: A Day in the Life of Downtown Worcester Ambassador
In October, the Downtown Worcester Ambassadors performed 2,640 “business wipe downs” — sanitizing high contact surface areas such as storefront door handles — and performed sidewalk sweepings and litter removal 2,853 times.
To celebrate the work of the Ambassadors, Downtown Worcester has created a video to showcase their efforts. Watch below.
