Vienna Gears up for 44th Annual Luminary

(VIENNA, Md) – A holiday tradition returns to the banks of the Nanticoke River this weekend.

This Saturday, thousands of lights will line the streets of Vienna as the town’s Heritage Society hosts their 44th annual Luminaria.

And one board member says they can’t wait to see the small community light up the Nanticoke.

“We have a lot of old homes. We have a big maritime history. And to be able to highlight this through the holidays, time is really an awesome experience for all of us in town,” says Heritage Society Board Member, Patricia Johnson.

For Anne Hillyer and her husband, who live in the historical home of former Maryland Governor, Thomas Hicks, the Luminaria represents mixing the holiday spirit, and the history of Maryland along this Eastern Shore river.

Hillyer tells WMDT, “They’re opening the church up, and they’re going to do singing and Christmas music, you know, holiday music there. So there are so many things that are happening. This is a really special little event that I think many people don’t know about.”

The Dorchester County Historical Society is also taking part in Vienna’s festivities. As they bring a painting of Governor Hicks back to his one-time home.

“It’s reminding people, that the past is still alive, even if the persons who made it have only been able to leave behind small snippets and information,” says Dorchester County Historical Society’s Marcos Salaverria.

The Heritage Society says it’s a hit in the community of less than 300 people.

And as they ring in the holiday season, they’re looking for everyone to be in high spirits as Christmas gets closer.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to see a small town on the Nanticoke River that is lit up for Christmas. People go way overboard in their decorations, and then there’s going to be treats,” says Hillyer.

Tickets are still available.

You can purchase them at the Heritage Society’s website.