FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Friday, December 4, 2009 - Annual tree-lighting and sing along at 6:00 pm. - Art Gallery, restaurant and shop opening receptions from 5:00 - 8:00 pm.

The following was the line up for December 5, 2008:
The Holiday Night Festival, co-sponsored by the Town of Chester, Chester Rotary Club and the Merchants of Chester, will begin at the Spruce tree between Main Street and Spring Street with the annual tree-lighting and sing along at 6:00 pm. Join our community as we gather to sing carols around the decorated Christmas Tree. Most Shops, Restaurants and Galleries in Chester will be open for the Special Event to showcase our unique wares, gifts, menus and art work from 5:00 - 8:00 pm.

Evening highlights will include a sing-along led by local talent, the children's decorating of the tree, and special merchant events and gallery openings. The Chester Boy Scouts Troop 13 will line the streets with luminaries, while Saint Lucia Girls stroll around with goodies. The Garden Club will decorate municipal buildings and lampposts, adding to the holiday feeling we all enjoy. There will be plenty of demonstrations, exhibits, openings and of course, shopping. And not to be forgotten, the newest pewter ornament will be on sale by the Chester Hose Company and local merchants throughout the season designed by Chester artist Rosemary Gurpide.

Free parking is available at the Water Street Visitor's Center and the Maple Street parking lots, both a short walk to the center. Limited on street parking is available as portions of Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic.

Please publicize this event. The arts are an important part of all of our lives. More information about Chester can be found at http:/ /www.visit-chester.com and http://www.chesterct.org

Below are detailed listings and descriptions of these and other events that will accompany the evening festivities:


C H E S T E R
G A L L E R Y
Postcard Show continues with new works coming in regularly. Stop by Friday evening, December 5th. from 5 to 7 for a sip of Champagne and view art that can be taken home in your pocket. chestergallery@att.net

Chester photographer Caryn B. Davis will exhibit recent photographs from her travels to Italy, Portugal, Martha's Vineyard, Puerto Rico and Mexico at the Leif Nilsson Spring Street Studio & Gallery at 1 Spring Street in Chester, CT as part of Chester's Annual Holiday Night Town Christmas Tree Lighting and Caroling . For more information contact Caryn B. Davis at 860-526-5936, or via email at caryn@cbdphotography.com, or visit her website at www.cbdphotography.com.

Leif Nilsson Spring Street Studio & Gallery, LLC
One Spring Street, (860)-526-2077
Holiday Exhibit of a selection of oil paintings of the artist's garden, the Connecticut River Valley and world travels by Leif Nilsson. Friday, December 5, 2008, with a reception from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. This show runs through February 15, 2009. Gallery hours: Weekends Noon - 6 pm. Other times by chance or appointment. Visit anytime on the internet at http://www.nilssonstudio.com

Connecticut River Artisans at 5 West Main Street.
We will be celebrating our Holiday Show with a 2nd Reception on Friday, December 5: 5-8pm. This year we have 17 participants, which includes 7 wall artist painters as well as crafts such as: Handblown glass putters, ceramic toad/bird houses, Nino felted scarves, Hand fused glass fish sun-catchers, Handmade wooden ware, Guademalen crafts, and unusual painted-designed mirrors and picture frames. The Artisans will be serving hot, mulled cider as well as wine and delectable munchies. www.ctriverartisans.com (860) 526-5575

deja Gallery
5 Maple Street, (860)-526-9849
dejagallery@yahoo.com
Join deja Gallery from 5-8PM for a holiday open house. Celebrate the spirit of the season with us with light refreshments while enjoying Jacqueline's lively impressions. We will also be featuring our annual Studio Sale as well as recent works. Regular Gallery hours will resume and run through the end of the year. Weekend days 2 - 6 pm. Other times by chance or appointment. For further information please contact us by phone or email dejagallery@yahoo.com. www.dejagallery.com

Brown Eyed Girl
29 Main St, Chester
Come in for a glass of holiday cheer and try out our new body and skin care line. Also, terrific new hair accessories for the perfect holiday gift. Gift Certificates available. For more info please call 526-3035.

CERAMICA
36 Main Street,(800)-270-0900
chester@ceramicadirect.com
Be sure to stop in Friday evening 5 to 8 on Dec. 5th.... Lisa Tiezzi of Chester, owner of Tutti Amici (Italian Olive Oil importer) will be serving up samples of her 'Il Magnifico' Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Pozzo della Chiana in Tuscany ... Buy for your table or gifts while supplies last that evening, or order ahead from her next shipment....Delicioso !
CERAMICA invites all to enter our Holiday Giveaway Drawings---Each time you visit starting Friday, Nov. 28th---and spend $50 or more---you're eligible for our drawings for an exciting CERAMICA treasure ! Drawings will be held the next 4 Sundays before Christmas. You need not be present to win...JOIN THE FUN !!!

Hammered Edge llc Studio & Gallery
14 Main Street, Kathryne Wright Owner/Artist 860-526-1654
http://www.hammerededge.com
Winter Wonders Open House Friday December 5,2008 from 5 to 8pm.
Celebrate Winter and the gathering together of friends and family. Our collection of world artifacts, jewelry, handmade watches, beads, costume-wear, masks, and accessories will help you find that most wonderful gift to delight. Many of our treasures are fair trade certified from around the globe. Custom jewelry design and repairs are our specialty. We will have many unadvertised surprises over the entire weekend! Please contact Kathryne Wright at 860-526-1654 for more information.

C&G -Unparalleled Apparel, Seasonal & Timeless
3 North Main Street 860.526.3284
Outrageous faux fur wraps, luscious silk velvet jackets, funky ankle boots, and lots of warm wool sweaters. Crazy cozy hats, tapestry bags, felt pouches, fuzzy mittens, rhinestone baubles, and SONG 2008 - our soulful calendar in a time capsule. As always, Cummings & Good original note cards and art prints. Open every day December 5th thru the 24th, 12 to 5, Thursday evenings until 8. Much later on Holiday Night! http://www.cummings-good.com

Shunyata Healing Center, llc
7A Maple St., (860) 526-1111
Barbara@HealAtShunyata.com
The weather outside may be frightful. The savings are delightful. There's only one place to go. The Shunyata Healing Center, llc for 20% OFF all Gift Certificates, Massages, Reflexology, Hypnosis and Reiki Sessions. Come on in Dec 5th during 5 - 8 PM for a cup of warm cider and holiday shopping. Sale lasts from 12/1 - 12/24. Appoinments may be scheduled T - Th 9 AM - 7 PM, F 9 AM - 5 PM, Sat 8 AM - 4 PM, Closed Sun & M. Senior Discounts T - Th before Noon All Year. For more information or to order gift certificates on line please visit www.HealAtShunyata.com or call Barbara at (860) 526-1111.

Mystic Sisters -Antiques and Artful Wares
4 Water Street (860) 526-8022
www.mysticsistersct.com
Come in and enjoy our delightful selection of antique and vintage furnishings along with one-of-a kind creations in various media by local artisans. You will find furniture, decorative accessories, artwork, jewelry and hand-made items displayed artfully to inspire your creativity. Please join us from 5-8 PM for refreshments and see at all the lovely and affordable ways to make your holiday entertaining sparkle.

River Tavern
23 Main Street
860-526-9417
Join us for a festive evening with egg nog and warm treats served from the Dinners at the Farm truck. Enjoy holiday music played by Fair Winds Brass Quartet.

CL Pfeiffer Studio 72 Main Street (lower level) 860-526-2815
Celebrate the holiday season by sharing an evening reception with Connie Pfeiffer and family, along with guest artist Cynthia Pope. Works include abstract paintings by Cynthia Pope, a local artist, and recent sculpture by Connie Pfeiffer in metal and paper. Also showcasing Connie's intimate collection of hand made jewelry and offering a 10% discount during the reception. Reception Friday, December 5 from 5-8 pm. Studio also open Saturdays 12-5 pm or by appointment. clpfeifferstudio@aol.com www.conniepfeiffer.com_ (http://www.conniepfeiffer.com)

CENTURY 21 Heritage Company One Main Street, (860) 526-1200
CENTURY 21 Heritage Company at One Main Street will be hosting the Saint Lucia Girls who will be strolling throughout the village on Friday night.

Restaurant du Village
59 Main Street
Contact: Cynthia Keller restaurantduvillage@snet.net
Festival Diane Goddess of the Hunt 2008 December 3-28
We invite you to share in a celebration of the hunt; a gathering of seasonal ingredients from fields,woodlands and vineyards.
Tarte Flambée à la Vigneronne
Hearth baked round of yeasted dough topped with grapes, shredded duck confit, walnuts, Roquefort cheese and crème fraîche
Abymes Vin de Savoie
Choice of appetizer
Caille Grillée Salade d'Hiver
Grilled marinated quail served warm on a nest of winter salads
Carpaccio de Chevreuil
Pan-seared pepper coated venison served very rare in paper thin slices with fresh horseradish sauce
Mas de Gourgognnier Choice of main course
Civet de Lapin
A hearty ragout of rabbit braised in Belgian Trappist ale, spiced with cracked black pepper, ginger and bay; accompanied by spätzle and cranberries
Médaillons de Chevreuil Sautés aux Baies de Genièvre Flambés au Gin
Sautéed medallions of venison, with a juniper sauce accompanied by rosemary roast pears and a potato and celeriac purée
Grand Flétan Rôti Risotto Forestière
Roast halibut fillet with a wild mushroom risotto
La Sacristie de la Vielle Cure
Bûche de Noël
Traditional French "Yule log" sponge cake filled with a decadent chocolate butter-cream and decorated with meringue mushrooms Muscat St Jean de Minervois
Four course tasting menu $75-
Reservations recommended 860 526 5301
www.restaurantduvillage.com

eo art lab
69 main street, 860.526.4833
www.eoartlab.com

Dina Varano Gallery
27 Main Street 860.526.8866
www.dinavarano.com

R. J. Vickers Herbery
26 Water Street, (860)-526-4061
www.rjvickersherbery.com