A Heartfelt Update on Fairfield's Holiday Tradition on the Square
As the Fairfield Street Department works their magic preparing Central Park for the season, many in our community may have noticed that the familiar candles lining the sidewalks are no longer in place. These candles have been part of our holiday memories for decades — standing quietly as families sang carols, children visited Santa, and generations gathered to watch the lights come on.
This year, we are introducing beautiful new 7-foot lampposts, thanks to the generosity of the Greater Jefferson County Foundation and the many donors supporting the Tree of Lights Campaign, which is still underway. These lampposts bring new warmth and glow to the square, but we also know change can stir emotion — especially when it touches something as deeply rooted in tradition as our holiday displays.
We want our community to know this:
We care about these memories just as much as you do.
We understand how sentimental those candles are (like every display on the square). They’ve stood beside us through countless holiday seasons, becoming a small but meaningful part of Fairfield’s shared story. That’s why the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce is preparing an online auction where community members will have the opportunity to bring one of these retired candles home. We want these pieces — the ones that watched our kids grow up and lit our paths year after year — to stay right here in Fairfield, with the families who loved them.
You’ll also begin to notice new bells in the wreaths decorating the light poles around downtown, adding a little extra sparkle to each corner of the square. And one of our most beloved features, the Elf House, will soon return from a thoughtful upgrade by the talented students of Fairfield High School’s SkillsUSA program. They have carefully weather-proofed the house and recreated its roof to maintain the original look we all adore. The elves themselves — each one saved and restored — were lovingly brought back to life by local artist Eric Goodrich.
This truly is a special year in Fairfield. Every improvement reflects not just craftsmanship, but the heart of a community that cherishes tradition and invests in its future.
As you enjoy the enhancements, we invite you to continue supporting the Holiday Tradition on the Square through the Tree of Lights Campaign. This campaign makes every restoration, upgrade, and magical moment possible — and all donations are fully tax-deductible. Every gift, no matter the size, helps keep Fairfield’s holiday spirit shining bright.
Finally, we invite all residents and visitors to join us for the Holiday Lighting Ceremony on Black Friday, November 28, as we gather once again to welcome the season together. It’s a moment filled with joy, nostalgia, and community — the very things that make the Holiday Tradition on the Square so special.
More details about the candle auction will be shared soon. Until then, thank you for caring, for giving, and for keeping the magic alive in Fairfield.
About the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce
The Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit business organization dedicated to promoting local prosperity, advocating for businesses, and fostering economic growth. Through programs, events, and partnerships, the Chamber connects business leaders and strengthens the community. Visit www.FairfieldIowa.com for more information.
