Join the fun of Downtown Christmas

This year's "Downtown Christmas" is scheduled for 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. Building on the success and response of last year's event, the Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities has added an ice carver to this year's event. The event will take place on Independence Street, mainly in front of the former Newberry building.

Here's what's planned:

ICE CARVING: The ice carver will entertain for four hours and produce a train and a Victorian Santa. Anyone wishing to add a pre-carved sculpture to enhance their business can do so for $250. Carvings last several days, depending on the weather. Call me at 850-9121 or 648-6772 as soon as possible if you would like a winter carving of your choice.

TREES: This year, 35 beautifully adorned trees will be displayed in the Newberry building. Those signed up for a tree will need to bring their own tree stands, a jug of water, something for the floor (tree skirt) and all decorations. We ask that no food be put on the tree. Packages can be placed underneath the trees as well. An 8-by-10-inch sign should be made to identify what individual, group or business decorated the tree. Trees will be voted on again this year for 25 cents a vote. Three prizes of cash will be given for the popular votes. All trees will go to a needy families after the event.

Please call me if you want to adopt a tree; more than half are already gone. Tree delivery will be around 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20. Those decorating can do so until 9 p.m. that evening. Other times of decoration will be 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, and 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24. Contact me if you cannot make any of these times.

VENDORS: Outside and inside vendors can rent a space for $25; however, space is limited. We have a huge array of food vendors; you will be able to enjoy a variety of anything from hot soups to "dog's n kraut" and traveling tacos. A list will be published later, so watch the paper.

CARRIAGE RIDES: Once again you will be able to take an old-fashioned carriage ride up Independence Street and down Water Street. Shamokin Creek Restoration Alliance will man the rides. Tickets can be purchased in front of Bressi Real Estate that day for $5 or $3 for those 12 and under.

ENTERTAINMENT: Fiddle and drum music from the Northern Appalachians will be played by Lowlander Highlander, and other musicians will be on hand to get you in the Christmas spirit. The Christmas story will also be read by Nikki Chapla; the time will be announced later.

SANTA SLEIGH: The Rotary Santa Sleigh will park in front of Beverly's Flower Shop after the parade and children will be able to visit with Santa and have their pictures taken.

CLEAR TOY TREATS: This year, we will be selling clear toy candy at the arts center table right inside the door. You should stop there first to get your papers for tree voting and also please remember to support us by joining as a member. The more members we have the more events we can produce. All we want for Christmas this year is MEMBERS, and our wish is that we get many Century Club members. These members, who join for $100 a year, are the backbone to the organization.

LIVE NATIVITY: A live nativity will be presented by Restoration Ministries in the front window of the Newberry building. The times will be announced later.

WREATHS: Fresh handdipped waxed wreaths will be for sale again in the building. Wreaths can be purchased during the hours of tree decorating, or call Lanza Williams at 259-0507 or e-mail her at lanza_w@newsitem.com All proceeds will help defray expenses for the event.

Other exciting events coming up will be the unveiling of the coal region billboard at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, and the installation of 24 Christmas cards that were painted this year and sponsored by local businesses. Along with the Christmas cards, the lighted Christmas decorations purchased by local businesses that Citizens for a Better Community sponsored will also be placed throughout the town for the holidays.

What a wonderful time of year and what wonderful and exciting events to look forward to in our little corner of the world.

Remember, like anywhere else in the world, it is the people's attitude and actions that make the difference in a community - and I would like to think we are making a difference!

(Shaffer is executive director of the Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities.)

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