In Saxton, members of the Changes in the Park (CHIP) committee held their annual Christmas in the Parkway celebration Thursday night and were blessed with even more Christmas presents. Probably not.
More than 1,000 Broad Top area residents gathered on Lower Main Street under Community Parkway to participate in and enjoy a festive night of activities. The weather and atmosphere were perfect for the two-hour event, highlighted by the arrival of Santa Claus and his reindeer, the lighting of the community Christmas tree, and enjoying each other’s company over food and hot drinks provided by area businesses.
The program began with a performance of festive holiday music by members of One Mission, which continued throughout the program. Lester Meck, Chairman of Saxton Borough Council and Chairman-elect of the Chipping Committee, welcomed the large audience to the event.
MEC introduced Saxton Borough Mayor Alan Smith and Liberty Township Board of Supervisors Chairman William “Pete” Ritchie, who all welcomed Santa Claus. Santa Claus said that the weather at the North Pole is also nice.
While Meck escorted Santa Claus to the local Christmas tree, Meck and Richie gave well-wishes to the large audience. Smith welcomed the audience to beautiful downtown Saxton, saying it was even more beautiful because they were there.
As area residents prepare for the Christmas season, Smith said Santa Claus looks the same to him as he did 70 years ago when he was a child. “How does this guy do it? I don’t know,” Smith said.
Smith said those in attendance were privileged to have Santa Claus in their community. As large crowds gathered in such peaceful and tranquil surroundings, Mr. Smith said we should realize that peace on earth is within our grasp.
He said this is confirmation that there can be peace in this world. Given what is currently happening around the world, peace on earth is not enjoyed by everyone, Smith said. He said those in attendance should feel blessed because Thursday night’s gathering was a true example of community.
Like Smith, Ritchie said he personally has been through a lot this past year and has felt both gratitude and gratitude. Ritchie said she loves the community Christmas tree.
The 72-year-old said there has been a community Christmas tree on the parkway for every year he has been alive. He said the community Christmas tree is a symbol of our unity and many other things.
Ritchie said she could talk about a lot of things, but she just wants the community to know that we care about each other.
“No one is alone here. You shouldn’t have to feel like you’re alone when there’s nothing else going on,” he said.
Ritchie went on to say that there have been some sad events in the Broadtop area over the past few months. Richie was close to suicide at one point in his life, but he admitted he thought people didn’t care.
“They care. People care about you. So if you feel like you have nothing or no one, come talk to us or talk to someone,” Ritchie said. emphasized.
Also during the show, Meck acknowledged the passing of the late John Hoffner earlier this year. Mr. Hofner served on the Saxton Borough Council and was a founding member of the CHIP Committee nearly 10 years ago.
To commemorate Hoffner’s contributions to society, Meck said the CHIP committee has installed a commemorative plaque honoring Hoffner at the station building on Parkway. He also read a poem by Linda Ellis titled “The Dash.”
Meck said Hofner spent most of Dash touching the lives of others to better the community. He taught school, worked with foreign exchange programs, started CHIP, served on the borough council, served on the church committee, and played the organ and piano in the church.
“His dash was cut short, but he made a difference in his time on the ground,” Meck concluded.
During the program, CHIP committee member and Christmas program coordinator Cindy Baker, with assistance from CHIP committee member Chanda Chamberlain, won the Snowflake and Holiday Drawing Contest for Tussie Mountain Elementary School. announced the list of people. The winning entries will be displayed at local businesses in Saxton.
CHIP Committee Chairman Joe C. Hall said it was really gratifying to see the community come together to celebrate the arrival of Santa Claus. He said he was very happy with the record turnout and would like to thank the businesses that provided food and drinks.
After the event, Smith said there are many positive words to describe Saxton’s tree lighting and Santa Claus visit, including magical, amazing and incredible. We also have a long list of individuals, organizations and businesses we would like to thank for making it another incredible evening in our community.
“I would especially like to thank CHIP for providing this classic community event since its inception, and I’m sure many of you wondered if it was possible to recreate last year’s outstanding tree lighting. The consensus opinion is that the 2023 tree illumination not only replicated last year, but surpassed it.”
“For those reading this newspaper article about the tree lighting in Saxton, and indeed the Broadtop area, to fully understand the size of the crowd and the quality of preparation, conservatively estimated at over a thousand people. , I need to be there,” generous contributions of time, talent, money, and expressions of fellowship. These ingredients, along with the perfect location on Saxton’s Lower Main Street and the good weather, made this dish one to remember for a long time. ”
“In many ways, tonight confirms the hope that there can be peace on earth,” Smith concluded.
Contact Adam at dnews@huntingdondailynews.com.