SLIPPERY ROCK — Sugar and spice and everything nice returns to Main Street this weekend with Light Up Night.

“Last year people loved it,” Tom McPherson, with Slippery Rock Development, said of Saturday's holiday kick-off. “It starts the holiday season.”

McPherson is the head of a multi-organizational effort to set up festivities that includes borough government, the Slippery Rock Business Association and the local Rotary and Lions clubs.

McPherson said this year's event will be packed with many of the things that have made the event popular over the last few years.

“I know that it's growing because last year I had about 15 vendors and organizations. This year, I have 26,” he said.

McPherson said many of the activities will be centered around a large tree decorated with ornaments made by Slippery Rock students from Moraine Elementary School's art classes. The tree was donated by Ginger Hill Tavern in Slippery Rock.

“The kids are excited to come and see their ornaments on the tree,” he said.

McPherson said there will be many seasonal activities for adults and children, including coloring, cookie frosting and tree decorating contests.

“Frosty the Snowman will be there handing out glow necklaces,” he said.

Mayor Jondavid Longo said Santa has also made some time in his busy pre-Christmas schedule for some one-on-one time with children.

While much of the night will be festive and fun, there will be a couple of reminders of the current state of things.

In addition to collecting canned goods for the local Feed My Sheep food pantry, the main concert featuring Country musician Garrett Shultz will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and will raise money for Mission 22.

According to its website, Mission 22 is a nonprofit organization that combats the rising veteran suicide rate.

“Every day, more than 20 veterans are lost to suicide,” the website said. “Mission 22 wants to bring that number to zero.”

Longo, who formerly served in the U.S. Marine Corps, said the organization helps veterans with various treatments and pays special attention to those just returning from active duty.

“That support system is really important at that time,” Longo said. “It's a really important endeavor. Twenty-two veterans committing suicide a day is a big issue.”

Longo said the Slippery Rock community knows how to support each other in addition to having fun with one another. He said he expects this year's Light Up Night to be another success in more ways than one.

“All-in-all it's going to be a really great evening, and this is going to be an awesome time to showcase the community and what we have here,” Longo said. “We have a beautiful town that is community-oriented.”

WHERE: Main Street in Slippery RockWHEN: 4 to 8 p.m. SaturdayPRICE: Free admissionATTRACTIONS: More than 20 vendors, attractions by local businesses, cookie decorating, a tree decoration contest, scavenger hunt, live music and visits from Santa and Frosty the Snowman