November 14, 2013, Lafayette, CO – Chanukah in Lafayette is set to light up the night at 5:30 pm on Wednesday, December 4, 2012. Attendees can enjoy watching the lighting of a giant menorah for the eighth night of Chanukah, balloon art from Bongo the Balloon Man, music from Tutti – recorder musicians who are all former music teachers, children’s activities, latkes, cider, and other treats. It will be held at 102 E. Cleveland and South Public Road in Lafayette.

The event is founded and sponsored by Victory Camera of Lafayette. Last year saw a large crowd who enjoyed watching the lighting while eating one hundred homemade latkes (potato pancakes). Josh Cohen, owner of Victory Camera , said “we were so excited by the enthusiasm of attendees, many of whom were not Jewish, that my wife began planning much earlier this year. As a result, we have expanded the program and hope to see even more people attend!”

Also known as the Festival of Lights, Chanukah is observed by the lighting of the nine-branched Menorah, adding one additional light on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night. (The ninth light is called the shamash, and is used to light the other candles.)

Lafayette’s outgoing mayor Carolyn Cutler plans to attend and will likely be lighting the menorah as an honored dignitary. The giant menorah, which is over eight feet tall, is being graciously furnished by Chabad Lubavitch of Boulder County.

Rachel Cohen also noted:

We are lucky to have so many amazing sponsors! The JCC, local synagogues, and many local businesses have joined Victory Camera as co-sponsors so that we can bring this event to everyone free of charge. There are lots of Chanukah events to attend during the week but we look forward to sharing this with people from Lafayette, Erie, Boulder, and surrounding communities.”

Jewish community sponsors are: The Boulder Jewish Community Center, Chabad Lubavitch of Boulder, Chabad Jewish Center of Longmont, Congregation Beth Ami, Congregation Bonai Shalom, Congregation Har Hashem, Congregation Nevei Kodesh, Congregation Pardes Levavot, and Kehillath Aish Kodesh.

Business sponsors are: Coal Creek Brokers, Community Holistic Health, Curating the Cool, Fitness Edge, Karen’s Company Painting, Morrell Printing, Noble Treasures,  and Tru Design. We are also thrilled to include WOW Children’s Museum as a new community sponsor.