DEERFIELD — For the second year in a row, the Deerfield Recreation Department is hosting a “Hearts for Heroes Luminary Night” on Valentine’s Day.
Residents are encouraged to light up their houses, yards and driveways with heart decorations at 6 p.m. on Valentine’s Day to raise spirits.
“I think everyone is COVID-weary,” Recreation Department member Sue Antonellis said. “It’s just a way to elevate people’s happiness.”
Residents can purchase 10 bags with heart cutouts and 10 lights to decorate their house. The bags and lights are available for purchase from the Recreation Department for $10 by contacting 413-665-1400, ext. 107 or recdept@town.deerfield.ma.us.
“It’s tough out there for everybody,” Antonellis said. “I encourage people to decorate their front doors … or just do something to make yourself feel better, and when people drive by, they feel better.”
Antonellis said an initial supply of bags and lights is running low, but she plans to order more if the public expresses interest in the Hearts for Heroes Luminary Night.
“Last year I didn’t know what to expect, so I didn’t order a lot at a time,” she recalled. With the event proving to be successful in its first year, Antonellis decided to hold it again.
“We had a really good response and it was really pretty to drive around town,” Antonellis said. “This year, I decided to do it again because I think people need it more this year than last year.”
The Hearts for Heroes Luminary Night is a continuation of the Recreation Departments’ efforts to provide safe town-wide events during the pandemic.
“I’ve really had good participation from the townspeople, which I really appreciate that they give to others,” Antonellis said. “I want everybody to feel better. I know I’m really tired of it. It’s hard, it’s hard on everybody and hard on kids.”