SECOND ANNUAL “RING OF LIGHTS”

SECOND ANNUAL “RING OF LIGHTS” SET FOR 9:30 PM SATURDAY, JULY 3rd

 CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY: LIGHT AN LED FOR OWASCO LAKE

Last year many residents started a new tradition called “Ring of Lights” as a way to celebrate the 4th of July and our community-wide commitment to restoring and protecting Owasco Lake. This year this annual tradition will continue on Owasco Lake and region.   Residents and visitors to the region for the holiday are asked to light at least one LED light on Saturday, July 3 at 9:30 p.m., coinciding with the annual fireworks display at Emerson Park. The “Ring of Lights” event is promoted by Owasco Watershed Lake Association (OWLA), and a limited supply of LED lights will be sold on “Owasco Lake Day” at Emerson Park Pavilion, Thursday July 1st during the Resource Fair as part of “Lake Day 2010” that runs from 4 pm – 6:30 pm.   There are a variety of other ways to participate in “Ring of Lights” that are environmentally safe, including: a string of LED Holiday lights, a nylon solar powered LED patio lantern, or a solar LED camping lantern.
Joe Wasileski, OWLA President, said, “We hope that this event will bring greater awareness to improving the quality of Owasco Lake, and while enjoying the Ring of Lights, recognize the enjoyment and pleasure that we all have because of our lake.
The “Ring of Lights” is based on the Native American tradition of lighting fires around the lake to promote unity and celebration of community.    In many lakeside communities, there has been a long-standing tradition of using emergency flares and bonfires to create a ring of fire. The Finger Lakes Institute recommends using LED lights to reduce the significant phosphorus pollution that has been found to result from using fires and flares.  Owasco Lake is the first in our region to promote creating a “Ring of Lights” with environmentally safe alternatives such as LED and solar lights.
 “Whether you live on the lake, drink the water from the lake, or enjoy it recreationally, we hope that this tradition will continue to grow as one unique way to show our community spirit and commitment to Owasco Lake” said Joe Wasileski, President of Owasco Watershed Lake Association (OWLA).
 “We want Owasco Lake to be recognized for creating a new environmentally friendly tradition throughout the region and state.  This is one fun way to demonstrate our commitment to our community, our environment and to working together to improve water quality,” said Wasileski. “Owasco Lake is one of our area’s greatest assets, and we hope this new tradition will continue to grow in future years.”