What organizers hope will become a new holiday tradition made its debut Saturday night as hundreds of people gathered in Washington Park in Over-the-Rhine to walk through paths lighted with nearly 25,000 candles.

Allen and Alberta Harris of Bond Hill walk down the path of luminaries in Washington Park. | ZOOM |

People gather around the pavilion. (Jeff Swinger photos) | ZOOM |

        The project, dubbed “Luminaria — Harmony of Light,” was begun by Thomas Courtney of Elegant Fare Catering and a group of volunteers from a variety of Cincinnati neighborhoods.

        The idea was to bring people of different ethnic backgrounds together to strengthen the community that has weathered so much violence over the last year.

        “Originally, Over-the-Rhine was a melting pot of Cincinnati residents, the heart and light of the city,” Mr. Courtney said.

        Organizers were able to light only 25,000 of the 50,000 donated candles because of time constraints, but the rest will be put in storage for next year's event.

        GE Aircraft Engines and GE Lighting also donated 48,000 bulbs to illuminate the trees.

        After a harmonica solo from City Councilman Jim Tarbell, singing from children's choirs, and some hot cocoa, four students flipped the switch.

        “We're all at the right place at the right time for all the right reasons,” said Dominique Beal, 47, an Over-the-Rhine resident. “This is just God here in the park tonight.”

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