City celebrates coming of season

By Will DeShong, Eagle Staff Writer

December 01, 2014 Last Updated: December 01, 2014 03:43 PM Local News

The Peoples TWP Santa's Workshop float rolls up Main Street past crowds of onlookers Saturday night during Butler's 50th annual Spirit of Christmas Parade. Santa later lit the Christmas tree in Diamond Park.

50th annual parade draws big crowd

Butler glowed with holiday spirit Saturday for its Light Up Night celebration and the 50th annual Spirit of Christmas Parade.

Hundreds of visitors lined Main Street for the parade then afterward watched Santa light the Christmas tree in Diamond Park.

“It's awesome — I didn't think there would be so much happening,” said Rebecca Kyriazis of Pittsburgh.

Kyriazis was watching her son Jake, 15, walk in the parade with the Hobnob Theatre Co., which will perform “A Christmas Theater” at the Succop Theater at Butler County Community College later this month.

Spectators enjoyed the festive hour-long parade, which featured high school marching bands, holiday-themed floats, balloons and other attractions.

Megan Helsel and Missi Hilliard, both of Butler, walked with their dogs, Willow and Pumpkin, to support the Butler County Animal Response Team.

Helsel and Hilliard were draped in Christmas lights to match the Light Up Night theme.

“It's fitting, right,” Hilliard said of the costume.

The dogs — one a greyhound, the other a terrier mix — also were in Christmas attire.

“It's their first parade,” joked Helsel. “They're excited for Christmas. They're excited for 'Santa Paws.'”

While adults and children had much to enjoy, perhaps the greatest thrill for the younger crowd was seeing Santa conclude the parade and walk to Diamond Park to light the Christmas tree.

Avery Hopper, 6, and his brother Gabe, 4, had a chance to speak with Father Christmas after he lit the tree. The two boys are the sons of Chancy and Debbie Hopper of Butler Township.“This is our first year at the parade,” said Chancy Hopper.“Last year was too cold,” he said with a grin.The boys asked Santa for Nerf guns and stuffed animals.Kellen McFadden, 6, of Butler had his eyes set on something bigger.“I want a trampoline,” he said. “I want to jump on one.”While the Christmas tree stands as a symbol of hope for children awaiting presents Christmas morning, the tree in Diamond Park has an even greater significance.In additional to the seasonal lights, the tree was decorated with purple ribbons honoring and supporting people affected by cancer.“It's something that a lot of families can appreciate this time of the year,” said Leann Cramer, a leading organizer of the event with the American Cancer Society.Cramer said about 100 ribbons were bought for $10 each. The money was donated to the American Cancer Society.Cramer said she was happy to see the Light Up Night become part of the city's annual tradition.“It's great to see it turn into such a special event,” she said.

Each ribbon was made in memory, honor, or support of someone affected by cancer. Cramer read each of the names in a ceremony.“We had one woman who bought a ribbon after a family member passed away earlier today,” Cramer said, holding back tears. “It's nice for families to know there is support out there and there are people going through the same struggles.”Light Up Night followed Small Business Saturday in Butler. Chelynne Curci-Lang, the Main Street Manager for Butler Downtown, said the promotion was a success as many people visited city shops.“It went great,” she said while watching the parade. “Lots of people stopped by and some even made thank you cards for some of the businesses.”Curci-Lang said the activities were great for the city.“It's always nice to see people in downtown Butler,” she said.A show by the Sirkus Dayz fire performance group concluded the night.