SAXONBURG — Christmas arrives a little early Friday night when Santa Claus, the Three Wise Men and live camels come to Saxonburg Light Up Night.

The animals come from Living Treasures Animal Park in New Castle to walk in the parade and be part of Jefferson Center United Presbyterian Church's live Nativity at the annual light up night, which runs from 7 to 9 p.m.

The camels' handlers will be dressed as the Three Wise Men.

Even the Grinch can't rain on the parade, but he will make a special appearance, serving as the pooper scooper for the camels.

The festivities start at 7 p.m. when the parade starts at Dinnerbell Square. The Knoch High School band will march in the parade, which will include floats. Prizes will be awarded for the best floats.

Participants in the parade will line up at 6:15 p.m. at Dinnerbell Square.

Along with the live Nativity, Roebling Park will be the site of music and dancing.

Singers from Jefferson Center United Presbyterian will perform from 7:30 to 8 p.m. in the park.

Christmas square dancing will be from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Shout Worship Band from Saxonburg Memorial United Presbyterian Church will perform from 8 to 8:30 p.m.

PBJ and T, strolling carolers from Clinton United Presbyterian Church, will sing along Main Street and in the park.

Following the parade, there will be cookies with Santa, who also is in the parade, at the Saxonburg Area Library at 240 W. Main St. For a donation, photos can be taken with Santa.

Borough dignitaries also are expected to be on hand.

A trolley will take people between the park and Main Street.

Borough businesses will be open during the event.

Event organizer Joyce Hutterer of Northwood Realty and the Saxonburg Area Business Association said light up night attracts people from across the region.

She said 500 to 600 people attended last year, when it was "freezing," and more than 1,000 another year.

"Saxonburg Light Up Night is fast becoming a holiday tradition amongst Western Pennsylvania families," Hutterer said.

Borough officials promoted the event at Wednesday's meeting.

Councilman Rich Foust agreed many people enjoy the event. "They've been getting a great turnout."

Councilwoman Patricia Rinebolt encouraged people to attend.

"It should be a wonderful night," she said.

The Saxonburg Area Business Association conducts the event with contributions from borough businesses.

The Reldon and Hattie Cooper Charitable Trust sponsors the camels.