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Luminarias are lighting front yards along four blocks of a St. Paul neighborhood on Sunday evenings in April in support of essential workers.

It’s to show respect and gratitude to everyone on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Jane McKim, who has lived in the Summit Hill neighborhood for 48 years. 

Luminarias in St. Paul

That includes anyone from health-care workers, grocery store employees and delivery drivers to those who might be struggling or “parents who are just keeping things together,” Elisabeth Holod said. 

Residents are putting out the white paper bags illuminated by candles or LED lights around sunset on Fairmount, Osceola and Goodrich avenues. They’re decorated with hearts and encouraging words, like “hope,” “strong” and “thank you medical workers.”

“We all want to say, ‘We're with you. We stand by you. Don't feel alone,’ ” Holod said.

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Christine T. Nguyen

Author

Each Sunday evening in April, residents in St. Paul’s Summit Hill neighborhood are lighting luminarias to show respect and gratitude to health-care personnel and other essential workers. 

A white bag decorated with the words "Thank you medical workers!" 

Christine T. Nguyen | MPR News

A person lighting a small candle in the front yard. 

Luminaries in the front yard of homes at twilight. 

A woman lighting a candle near her front porch. 

A person walking a dog beside a encouraging message. 

A white bag decorated with hearts and the word "strong."

A white paper bag decorated with the word "grocers"

Daily dose of sweetness: St. Paul neighbors 'unite with light' to honor essential workers

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