Custom-made lanterns to decorate Village of Warwick during the holidays

WARWICK — Holiday decorations can often be gaudy and commercial looking.

With that in mind, Village of Warwick officials and members of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce and Merchants Guild have been looking for alternatives that would enhance the Villages Historic District with a distinctive element during the holiday season.

Enter John Redman.
In addition to being the president of the Pine Island Camber of Commerce, Redman owns a company that manufactures props for special events throughout the United States.

If any one, for example, has been to the now famous Black Dirt Feast they may remember his oversized lanterns that hung as decor under the tent. And these particular lanterns were also designed and manufactured for a state dinner at the White House celebrating a visit from the President of Mexico.

Redman was recently asked to create a similar lantern but to a scale that could be hung from the double hanging basket brackets that already exist on Main Street. He was up for the challenge and created a prototype using powder coated aluminum.

"The result," said Mayor Michael Newhard, "was all we hoped, a beautiful and fitting holiday decoration that will withstand the elements and will be unique to our historic village."

One of the lanterns will be on display in the window of Newhard's: The Home Source at 39 Main St.

The current plan is to have 20 lanterns along Main Street and Oakland Avenue and potentially more in time.

The Merchants Guild, the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Warwick are looking for sponsors to help fund this project.

The lanterns cost $275 each. And a small plaque will be placed on each pole indicating the donor.

If you are interested in a sponsorship or making a donation contact the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce at 986 -2720.