somersetPa. – Light Up Somerset has become a growing annual Christmas tradition in the heart of the borough, with people from across the county turning out on Saturday.
“We used to have four vendors, now there are four on every corner,” says Somerset, a revitalization organization focused on preserving the character of Somerset’s Yamate Street. Chairman Lee Hoffman said.
Roads were closed throughout the afternoon to allow people to safely enjoy the street vendors on Main Street until the parade, which began shortly after 6 p.m. and included a tree lighting at the Somerset County Courthouse.
Businesses like Jar, a zero-waste store and refiller on Main Street, benefited from the large number of visitors who returned home over the Thanksgiving weekend.
On Saturday, there was a big crowd at Jar, and when they came in, everyone said the same thing – “It smells good in here.”
“Light Up Somerset is one of my favorite events,” said Jar owner Jen Berkman.
Grace Hay, visiting her hometown of Somerset from Maryland, enjoyed seeing the new businesses in town, including Hartlich Gallery, which opened in March. Outside, vendors offered a variety of products.
“It’s amazing how this place has changed,” Hay said. “Today is a wonderful day as I remember the ‘good old days’. The exhibits are really nice and all the little shops are thriving. The handmade items are so beautiful.”
Keaton Engle grabbed a bottle of wine from Lockwood-based Vin de Matrix Winery, which had a stand outside the Hartlich Gallery on Main Street.
“It’s great to come back from Pittsburgh and see my hometown doing great work and supporting local businesses,” Engle said.
Russ O’Reilly is a reporter for the Tribune-Democrat. Follow him on Twitter @RussellOReilly.