Santa makes 'First Stop' of the season
CRANBERRY TWP — Santa Claus probably should have put on his galoshes instead of snow boots Friday night as damp, cold and windy weather welcomed the jolly elf as he made his “first stop” to light up the township's Christmas tree.
But the weather didn't dampen the excitement of families and their children who gathered at the municipal center to watch the township's annual holiday ceremonies hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Township supervisor Mike Manipole got the crowd fired up with chants of 'Ho-Ho-Ho' and 'Here Comes Santa Claus.'
As Santa approached in the Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Company's brush truck “sleigh,” the children's anticipation was fulfilled as their cheers welcomed Mr. and Mrs. Claus to the stage.
There were plenty of family-oriented events in the gymnasium and in the halls of the municipal center that got everyone prepared for Santa's arrival.
There was holiday music, games, crafts and refreshments. The holiday music was performed by the choir of the Dutilh United Methodist Church. Children got to make magic reindeer feed, Santa Claus beards, write letters to Santa and do other holiday crafts.
Val Murphy, the township's recreation program coordinator, said it took a team effort from the township staff to bring this event together
“Everybody was involved in getting this together from parks and recreation, to public works and public safety,” she said.
The event also launched the 2013 Cranberry Holiday Tree Gallery inside the building, which is an annual fundraising project where more than 20 nonprofit organizations display trees decorated in themes that reflect their missions.
Amy Scott of Cranberry Township was at the festivities with her son, Ethan, 6, and daughter Madison, 8.
“I love it,” said Scott of Santa's First Stop. “You really have a sense of community, a sense of family. It's a great way to start off the holiday season.”
Stacey Newton of Cranberry Township came with her husband, Bob, and their 5-year-old daughter Meranda.She also said Friday night's festivities were great.“Cranberry does such a nice job with its kids programs,” said Newton.Individual visits with Santa where children and their families can take pictures are planned for Dec. 14 and 15. Registration for “Milk and Cookies with Santa” must be made in advance with the parks department.There also will be a Brunch with Santa that will be at the Cranberry Highlands Golf Course Clubhouse with two sessions on Dec. 15 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and from 12:30 to 2 p.m. There will be an opportunity to take pictures with Santa then.To register for visits with Santa, call 724-776-4806, Ext. 1129 or register online at: www.cranberrytownship.org/programs.
