Damian Szybalski, the Town of Halton Hills Earth Hour co-ordinator, was very pleased with the participation across the town.

"People were very enthusiastic, very happy to participate and very creative," said Szybalski, who, from the 60 e-mails he received from residents and businesses that registered their participation, conservatively estimated 230 people turned their lights out.

But based on the hydro reduction total there were, "obviously a lot more people who were doing something," said Szybalski.

During the world-wide event, area residents not only turned their lights out, they had candlelight dinners with friends, ate locally-grown food, organized environmental presentations and discussions, turned their televisions and computers off, went out walking, stargazing or read bedtime stories to their kids by flashlight, said Szybalski.

'It's definitely raising awareness. It's a good start," he said.

Winners of the three energy efficient gift baskets provided by the Town of Halton Hills and Halton Hills Hydro will be announced at the Town Council meeting April 7.