The Happiest Place In Fairfield-Wonderland at Roseville Lights Up!

The holiday season officially began yesterday as Gene and Mary Halliwell celebrated the 26th anniversary of Wonderland at Roseville, their beloved holiday light display at 226 Roseville Terrace in Fairfield, Connecticut. The longtime community tradition was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by State Senator Tony Hwang, officially launching another year of festive cheer and giving back.

“As your State Senator and a huge fan, I want to thank the Halliwell family for their tireless effort in creating this magical experience year after year,” Hwang said at the ceremony. “Tonight’s donations will support Shriners Children’s Hospital, providing crucial care for children in need.”

Wonderland at Roseville began decades ago as a modest family project and has grown into one of Fairfield’s most cherished holiday attractions. Gene Halliwell reflected on its humble beginnings, recalling how he and his father once hand-cut Santa and his reindeer from plywood and lit them with simple floodlights. What started as a small display has since evolved into a dazzling holiday tradition enjoyed by visitors of all ages.

A Shriner for more than 40 years, Gene Halliwell also emphasized the mission behind the lights. “Being a Shriner means being part of a global mission to care for children,” he said. “This display is our way of giving back, and every donation to Shriners Children’s Hospital makes a difference. We hope to light up the season with joy and purpose.”

Now open for the season, Wonderland at Roseville will continue welcoming visitors throughout the holidays, inviting families to enjoy the festive spectacle while supporting a meaningful cause. The Halliwell family closed the evening by wishing the community a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

For the past 17 years, the family has collected donations at the display for Shriners Children’s Hospital. Those who wish to donate online can still do so directly through the hospital at:
https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/wonderland

Ring in the Holidays with Stratford’s Tree Lighting and First Holiday Market this Friday, November 28, 2025

STRATFORD– Stratford Mayor Laura R. Hoydick invites residents to participate in Stratford’s first Holiday Market. Over 28 organizations will be present representing vendors, artisans and community partners. Come do some holiday shopping!

Mayor Hoydick noted, “I’m thrilled to invite everyone to join us on Friday, November 28th for Stratford’s first-ever Holiday Market on the Town Hall Green, held in conjunction with our annual tree lighting and a special meet and greet with Santa. This brings the very best of our community, with local vendors, families, friends, and neighbors kicking off the season together! I look forward to seeing everyone there!”

Highlights of the day will include photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, where each family will receive a complimentary printed photo. Complimentary children’s activities will also be available including cookie decorating, ornament making, and letter writing to Santa.

2:00 pm will be a performance by Stratford Sister Cities Choir and the Tree Lighting will take place at 5:30 pm.

*Photos with Santa will be held from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm. The line for photos with Santa will begin at the handicap entrance to Town Hall, on North Parade Street. To avoid disrupting the professional photographer’s equipment, please do not enter through the front doors.*

For additional information, please visit www.CelebrateStratford.com.

Westport Ulta Theft Case Ends in $50K Bond Arrest

Police say a months-old shoplifting case at Ulta Beauty in Westport has now resulted in an arrest after surveillance video helped identify a suspect. Store management reported the theft on November 3, after discovering the incident during a routine review of security footage from September 6.

According to investigators, two individuals entered the store together, with one intentionally creating a distraction while the second suspect, later identified as Peggy Inesti, allegedly removed multiple bottles of fragrance and testers from store shelves and placed them into a tote bag. Both suspects then exited the store without paying for the merchandise. The total loss was reported at $1,726.

Through information sharing with other law enforcement agencies investigating similar thefts in their jurisdictions, Inesti was developed as a suspect in this case. A warrant was issued for her arrest in connection with the investigation.

On November 24, Inesti turned herself in at police headquarters and was formally charged with Larceny Fourth Degree and Conspiracy to Commit Larceny Fourth Degree. Her bond was set at $50,000, which she posted prior to being released. She is scheduled to be arraigned at Stamford Superior Court on December 8.

Home for the Brave Celebrates Major Expansion With Ribbon Cutting in Bridgeport

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held this week at Home for the Brave in Bridgeport, celebrating the completion of a major multi-million-dollar renovation aimed at expanding veteran housing and services. The approximately $3.7 million project added 11 new private veteran suites, a new elevator for full ADA accessibility, updated medical and counseling rooms, and a new outdoor courtyard and gathering space designed for therapeutic use and community events.

Local and state officials joined staff, supporters, and veterans for the ceremony, praising the nonprofit’s continued commitment to helping formerly homeless veterans transition into stable, independent lives. The expansion allows Home for the Brave to serve more veterans at a time when housing insecurity remains a critical issue across Greater Bridgeport.

Traffic Advisory – Pequot Runners Thanksgiving Day Road Race –

Thursday, November 27, 2025

The Pequot Running Club of Fairfield will be holding its annual Thanksgiving Day five-mile road race on Thursday, November 27, 2025. The race kicks off in Southport and will initially enter Westport from Pequot Avenue/Beachside Avenue.

It then travels North on Sasco Creek Road, East on Greens Farms Road, Northwest on Clapboard Hill Road, South on Maple Avenue South, West on Greens Farms Road, South on New Creek Road and then East on Beachside Avenue until the race re-enters Southport on Pequot Avenue.

The race is scheduled to begin at 8:00 am and should have completely exited all Westport roads by approximately 11:00 am. While the race is traveling through town, residents and motorists can expect temporary road closures and delays associated with the event.

Please alter any travel plans accordingly, allowing extra time for any delays caused by the event, and/or seek alternate routes around the area wherever possible.

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