Santa arrives by fire truck in Chicora
CHICORA — Santa Claus traded in his sleigh and reindeer Sunday for a shiny, red, fire engine.
For the fifth year in a row, Chicora started its holiday season by festooning West Slippery Rock Street with decorated Christmas trees for its Light Up Night celebration. The event is hosted by the borough, the fire department, and the Chicora Moose Family Center.
“We've been to (this event) every year,” said Krista Ritzert of Chicora as she stood in a line of families waiting to meet with Santa.
“This year's the warmest, but we'd be here anyway. We just love the family friendly event. Seeing everyone is the best and just getting into the holiday spirit.”
Ritzert brought her three children, the oldest of whom was preparing for a performance later with the Karns City High School varsity cheerleading squad.
With the sun still up, locals participated in the Candy Cane Crawl and Pooch Parade, walking up and down the street spreading merriment.
Jim Lewis, pastor at Chicora United Methodist Church, handed out mini-cupcakes to the streams of people passing by. Behind him, Lewis had put up a big sign declaring, “Happy birthday, Jesus.”
“We mingle with friends and try to remind everyone what the reason is for the season,” Lewis said. “It's a good time for a meet-and-greet with everybody.”
Later in the day, small Christmas trees lit up the street. People had the chance to vote for their favorite, with the top vote-getter receiving a cash award.
Along with these traditional events was A chain saw ice carving by local culinary student Josalyn Stewart.
Adding to the festivities, a bonfire was burning at the fire department with s'mores also available.Of course, the event would not have been complete without a visit from the big man in red and white himself.Santa Claus was posing for photos and hearing requests for presents from children. Eric Callihan held the role of Santa, according to Mary Twentier.Along with eight others, Twentier helped put the event together as a member of Chicora's Light Up committee, something she's been doing since it started.“We were born and raised in Chicora, so we just want to give back,” Twentier said. “People said they like having a community event every year.”Missy Easley, another member of the committee, agreed. “It's a huge success every year.”With all the decorations and performers like a magician, the two said the event costs between $1,500 and $2,000 to run each year.
