Grand Illumination: A Tradition of Light and Joy

As night fell on BRC throughout the month of December, a soft glow radiated across campus. Window by window, flickering candles came to life, creating a beacon of warmth and togetherness that embodied the spirit of the season.

Since its inception in 2015 during BRC’s 50th anniversary celebrations, the Grand Illumination has been a cherished annual event, uniting residents and team members across all levels of living in a vibrant celebration of the holiday season. Initially envisioned as a December event that would touch the lives of every BRC resident, this tradition has blossomed into a multifaceted experience filled with light, music, and community spirit.

A Magical Beginning

The first Grand Illumination set the tone for years to come. Enough candles were delivered to every village household to illuminate their windows, creating a breathtaking view as the community lit up just before the tree lighting ceremony. “It is a magical sight to see at night; a special peace covers the entire campus,” shares former BRC team member Jan Flora, who first suggested Grand Illumination after experiencing a similar tradition in Williamsburg, VA. Held in the Maple Terrace atrium, residents and team members gathered to sing carols with the Village Choir and enjoy music from resident pianists. The warm reception ensured that the tradition would continue.

Evolving Festivities

Over the years, Grand Illumination has grown in scope. In 2018, the event moved to the Oasis, where a larger tree and decorations allowed more residents to participate, including those in Assisted Living and Nursing households. The addition of performances by the Village Line Dancers, local choirs, and appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus made the event even more festive. “It [Grand Illumination] enhances the feeling of family,” shares Sandy Counts, who has led the planning committee for the event in recent years. 2020 brought its own unique challenges with the pandemic, prompting the committee to innovate with a socially distanced parade and live-streamed tree lighting, ensuring every resident could safely join the celebration. Cookies and hot chocolate delivered to homes added a sweet touch to the reimagined event.

Santa’s Elves: Working Behind the Scenes

Each year, the Grand Illumination committee ensures that every resident feels included in the festivities. With representatives from all levels of living, the planning process focuses on creating experiences for everyone—from gingerbread decorating for AL and Nursing residents to parade routes that wind by every household.

The committee is made up of seven team members and one resident, but Sandy would love to see the addition of one more resident to the team. This massive effort requires significant volunteer support. Nearly 30 residents participated in this year’s “candle blitz,” preparing 2,500 candles with 5,000 batteries for distribution. 20 resident street representatives then delivered and collected the candles. The committee also relies on the invaluable support of the BRC grounds team to bring the event to life—whether it’s setting up decorations, assisting with candle delivery, or braving the cold to assemble the Grand Illumination tree at the Oasis, their dedication to lighting up the village is always appreciated.

Memorable Moments

For committee members and participants alike, the Grand Illumination creates lasting memories. One highlight for longtime committee member Tammy Jordan includes a performance by the Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir during the 2022 tree lighting; for many residents though, it is the progressive parade leading to the Oasis. This year, the event was moved indoors to the Houff Community Center due to cold weather. It seamlessly transitioned into an Open House and Tour of Trees, featuring appetizers, beautifully decorated trees, and time for socializing. As Grand Illumination continues to grow, the commitment to bringing joy and togetherness to BRC remains steadfast. With every candle lit and every song sung, this cherished tradition brightens the lives and hearts of residents and team members alike.

See our Magical Holiday Tour of Christmas Trees below.