Community Corner

Peace Candle Goes Up in Centre Square

Easton's most visible, and often divisive, holiday decoration returns for its 62nd year.

Some people consider it a beloved holiday tradition. Others think of it as an eyesore, or an affront to fallen soldiers.

It's the Easton Peace Candle, and you'll get to enjoy it (or have to endure it) for the next few weeks.

The candle — all 106 feet of it —returned for its 62nd year Wednesday, thanks to the efforts of city public works employees and workers from Iron Workers Local 11.

I've said this before, but I enjoy the tradition behind the candle, even if it is a little hokey. 

Some of our readers had stronger opinions last year. One talked about raising funds to keep the candle from being built, rather than to keep it going. Another said it was disrespectful to cover the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument.

In the 1980s, a group of 90 residents asked the city to discontinue the candle, calling it a "garish symbol of inner-city decadence." 

But tradition has remained, even as the city has replaced the candle itself. The lighting ceremony each November is one of Easton's biggest events. 

This year, it's scheduled for Friday, Nov. 29 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

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