Last year it was snow, and this year it was rain. But in both cases, Luminary Night went on. This year's event, originally scheduled for Sunday, December 10th, was already postponed once for rain. When light rain fell again at the new start time of 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 17th, event organizers from Westwood Community Chest decided to go ahead.
As it turns out, battery operated tea lights do continue to operate in the rain! And the white paper bags that contain them do still function as luminaries! An extended time in the rain might make the tops of the water-laden bags eventually fall over, but they were able to retain their glow.
Thanks to Westwood Community Chest, Diane Rothauser, David Atkins, and Anonymous for contributing photos to this article.
Updated 12/17/2023. Additional photos have been added.