Luminaria is one of Riverside and Avondale’s premier celebrations. The event was established by local volunteers as a way for neighbors to commemorate the season by walking amongst the sidewalk candles to a social event with friends. Over 20,000 candles will be on display throughout the historic district.

Since its founding in 1974, RAP has been an advocate for active preservation of our neighborhood’s historical assets. The challenge of balancing preservation with progress is an enduring one. When historic buildings are allowed to deteriorate or are torn down, or when our historical street grid is eliminated, a part of our past disappears forever. When that happens, we lose history that helps us know who we are, and we lose opportunities to live and work in the kinds of interesting and attractive surroundings that older buildings provide.

As a response to this need, the organization’s board and staff work with residents, businesses, the city planning and zoning departments, and like preservation groups in the state to ensure that our history and the traces of our cultural heritage remain intact.

Riverside Avondale Preservation, Inc. (RAP) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance and preserve the architecture, history, culture and economic vibrancy of the Riverside Avondale historic neighborhood. RAP facilitates neighborhood improvements and preservation through community participation, education, advocacy and events that highlight Riverside Avondale’s unique quality of life.