Mars hosts Light Up celebration
MARS — Santa and Mrs. Claus led a strolling parade of holiday revelers down Grand Avenue to light the Christmas tree for the borough's annual Light Up Night celebration Saturday.
“The kids are so excited,” said Nicole Batis as children had their photos taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the dining room of the Peach Tree Creamery and Bakery, which is owned by Batis and her mother, Carol Batis.
The Batises have been in business for a little less than two years, but wanted to play a big role in the event.
“This is our first year being involved with Light Up Night,” Nicole Batis said.
In addition to the Clauses, two nutcrackers posted outside greeted people as they entered the shop.
Carol Batis said many businesses on Grand Avenue, which was closed from 4 to 8 p.m. for the event, were open during the evening and people were encouraged to visit all the shops.
Revamp Decor, across the street from Peach Tree, invited children to paint their own Christmas tree ornaments.
“It's just an outreach for the families,” owner Cheryl Brady said. “We wanted to make it a hometown Christmas.”
Having opened her shop about a year ago, Brady said businesses agreed to stay open and she was happy to be taking part in her first Light Up Night.
“We were really excited about it,” she said.Nearby at the Mars Area Public Library, members of Girl Scout Troop 28842 were helping children write letters to Santa and people cast their votes for their favorite gingerbread house.Those who wrote letters will get letters back from Santa if they left their parents' addresses, said Kristen Wilson, troop leader.The gingerbread houses were made by different groups and people, and the winner received a trophy, she said.Another group of Girl Scouts was singing Christmas carols at Spaceship Park, where the tree was situated, to raise money to buy Christmas gifts for needy children in the Mars Area School District.Other activities included a live Nativity scene at Mars United Presbyterian Church and a free showing of the animated Christian comedy “The Star” at Woodland Valley Church.After the Christmas tree was lighted, Mayor Gregg Hartung issued a proclamation declaring Dec. 7 as Mars Girls Championship Soccer Day in honor of the state champion Mars Area High School girls varsity soccer team.He presented the team with a Community Recognition Award.
