WEST HARTFORD-- Then ninth-annual Hanukkah celebration in Blue Back Square in West Hartford was held on Sunday.
Since most of the businesses were closed for Christmas Day, all the attention was focused on the middle of the square for the lighting of the ice-carved menorah on the second day of Hanukkah.
About 1,000 people of all ages came out to see the "Fire on Ice" event, as well as the firetruck dropping "gelt," or chocolate money, and the other activities.
"Hanukkah is about lighting when it’s dark and when it’s cold we bring the light to the public domain where it’s getting dark and bring the light of faith the light of goodness and kindness," said Rabbi Shaya Gopin, of the Chabad of Greater Hartford.
Many families said they were thrilled to be sharing this tradition with their children.
"Definitely important to be part of the community and see other folks out there that are doing the same thing you are; and the kids love it cause they see other kids having a good time," said Jason Gluck, who attended the event with his wife and two kids.
Another highlight was an essay written by 10-year-old Mark Kirzon. A contest was held for kids to describe what Hanukkah means to them, and Kirzon read his winning essay at the celebration. It was about his parents' fear of celebrating Hanukkah when they were growing up in the Soviet Union, and the young boy's appreciation for being able to celebrate out in the open.