This gathering will create an inspirational atmosphere to stimulate gratitude and giving in our families and community while honoring the significance of Plymouth’s founding in 1620.
The program will include spoken thoughts on the differences and similarities between Pilgrims and Puritans; Native American culture at our founding; and our part in the expansion of our founding and colonizing.
America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration and Plymouth 400 Present: Illuminate Thanksgiving
This series of events leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday promotes gratitude and giving. These youth-oriented events are designed to create an inspirational atmosphere anywhere that people gather, to stimulate gratitude and giving in communities, groups, and families. Based upon Governor William Bradford’s quote:
“…as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone to many…”
the One Small Candle Award is given to an individual who has made a difference in many lives at a young age.
2020 Schedule:
November 20: America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Concerts
November 21: America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Parade
November 22: Illuminate Thanksgiving Festival: “One Small Candle” Ceremony
This important annual event focuses on young people and their ability to be that “one small candle” making a difference in the lives of many. Taking place on the same day as the annual America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Parade, the program will kick off in Plymouth Town Square with a program inside the Mayflower Meetinghouse presented by the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. Then we’ll move outside for a Lighted Procession down Leyden Street to the Plymouth Waterfront. The event will culminate with an inspirational main stage program, just footsteps from Plymouth Rock.
This FREE Plymouth 400 event is all about youth and celebrates positivity, inclusivity, and the act of giving thanks and giving back to the community!
Festive Procession of lights from Town Square to Plymouth Waterfront featuring hundreds of lanterns made and carried by Plymouth Public School students, lighted drum line, and the Pilgrims Progress.
Waterfront stage performances including student vocal groups, dance, and inspirational speakers.
“One Small Candle” Award Ceremony. The award honors an individual or organization that, through their actions, has touched the lives of many. This year scholarships will be awarded through the Green Cup Golf Tournament at the Pinehills.
“Who Illuminates Your Life” Essay Contest presentation
Illuminate Thanksgiving is presented by:
Lead Media Sponsor: NBC-10 Boston|Telemundo Boston |NECN
Media Partners: PACTV, 95.9 WATD, Gatehouse Media New England
With support from The Newfield House, Yankee Candle Village, Green Cup Tournament, Best Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Watch this Illuminate Thanksgiving promotional video produced by PACTV!