Annual Christmas event returns to Cranberry Community Waterpark
CRANBERRY TWP — Christmas decorations adorned the Cranberry Community Waterpark on Thursday as holiday-themed music played throughout the day.
The winter vibes on the sunny July day were not a mistake, but instead the return of Christmas in July festivities at the venue.
At noon and 2 p.m., Santa and one of his elves, as well as waterpark mascot C.T., made an appearance. Activities like Santa Says — a twist on Simon Says — and snowball toss took place in the afternoon as well.
Waterpark lifeguards conducted a mock water rescue demonstration to highlight pool safety for spectators.
All-day activities included a Toys for Tots donation with township EMS, a photo booth and a craft station. At the end of the event, a raffle winner won a new pickleball set.
This year is the waterpark’s fifth year hosting Christmas in July, said Anna Hezlep, communications associate with the township.
“People come back year after year just for this,” Hezlep said. “It’s become kind of a tradition at the waterpark.”
This year, the person in charge of putting the event together was Emily Handrahan, a summer intern for the township’s communication department.
Handrahan, a student at West Virginia University, grew up in Cranberry. She said planning Christmas in July was a meaningful experience.
“It's been so much fun getting to give back to my community,” said Handrahan. “I'm glad to spread a little whimsy for people and bring them fun on these summer days.”
Putting the event together was a monthlong process, said Handrahan. While the event isn’t new to Cranberry, Handrahan worked on putting her own spin on graphic design for the posters, decorations and activities at the event.
“Visualizing how I want things to look — it’s not until you walk into the waterpark and start putting things where they go and you’re like, ‘Wait, this event's coming together,’” Handrahan said. “It’s not all drawings and thoughts.”
Handrahan said she likes Cranberry and can see herself returning to the township after graduating.
“Even though it's large, it has a tight-knit community,” said Handrahan.
