SHAMOKIN - There was no snow, but the holiday spirit was still vibrant on Independence Street Saturday afternoon as carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, a fiddler, vendors and Santa Claus himself entertained people of all ages during the fifth annual Downtown Christmas.
The festive event, sponsored by the Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities (NCCAH), kicked off after the 1 p.m. Christmas parade through the busi-
ness district that featured old St. Nicholas riding on the Rotary Sleigh. Santa then met youngsters in the Fun Shop building at Independence and Eighth streets to get their gift lists and pose for photographs. Santa was assisted by elves Tara Venna and Melissa Shingara.
Landon Wary, 16, of Coal Township, enjoyed the festivities while warming himself up on the chilly afternoon with a bowl of bean soup served by Rescue Fire Company.
"I love coming here every year," he said. "It's a wonderful time. The parade was great, and the Christmas trees inside are fantastic. Also, the food is delicious."
Wary's 65-year-old grandmother, Nancy Stryeski, of Coal Township, added, "I look forward to Downtown Christmas and all the community events every year. I never miss any of them. I'm a kid at heart. I believe in never growing up because if you do, you get old."
Jace Stever, 3, a son of Tara and Gabe Stever, of Mount Carmel, who was waiting in line with his family to take a ride in a horse-drawn, white pumpkin carriage, said Santa Claus was his favorite attraction at the four-hour event.
Hunter Bates, 9, of Coal Township, also waiting to take a carriage ride with his mother, Janet Bates, seemed to enjoy all the festivities. "I try to come every year. I enjoyed meeting Santa after the parade, and I can't wait to take the carriage ride because it's my favorite," he said.
Ronald Yost III, 3, of Shamokin, who rode the popular carriage with his grandmother, Angie Yost, and aunt, Jessica Yost, smiled as he told a reporter that Santa was his favorite part of Downtown Christmas.
Jason Mowery, a volunteer firefighter with Maine Fire Company who was helping stir the homemade bean soup at the Rescue Fire Company stand, said business was very good. "We raised $350 by having a bean soup sale at the fire company earlier this year, and we thought it was a good idea to get involved with this great community event."
"This is a wonderful tradition," commented Bruce Heefner of Shamokin. "I try to come here every year. It's good to see friends you haven't seen for a while. The downtown is decorated really nice and it helps bring people here to shop. The festivities benefit the community, and they put you in the holiday spirit."
Jeanne Shaffer, executive director of NCCAH, who has spearheaded the event since its inception, said, "I think it was very successful. There are more people here than last year and we added some new things. There also were more vendors."
Shaffer thanked everyone who assisted and participated in the event and especially commended the Fun Shop and The Center for Movement Arts for providing space.
Sixteen live Christmas trees were on display for judging on the second floor of the Fun Shop building. Carriage House Studio captured first place, while VNA Health System won second place in the tree-decorating contest sponsored by Shawn's Auto Repair. Both businesses received cash prizes.
Various food vendors and crafters had stands on the sidewalks in the surrounding area.
Food and refreshments included traveling tacos, baked goods, ham potpie, rice pudding, halushki, pierogies, kettle corn, hot dogs and hot chocolate. Scentsy, Pampered Chef, artwork, Christmas glitter tattoos, nail art, hair accessories, jewelry, hats, wood-working, afghans, baby sweaters and tote bags were among the items for sale.
Shamokin Rotary Club took pictures of children with Santa that were available for purchase. Talks with Santa were sponsored by Mountain View: A Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
The trees, which will be given to families who are in needthis year, were donated by TLC farms in Hegins. There were also six artificial boxed trees, compliments of Aaron's Sales & Lease, that will be given to needy local residents.
Tussie-mussies, small Victorian bouquets, were sold at a flower cart by Victorian ladies Ann Slodysko and Tammy Tweed.
The magical carriage rides were sponsored by Aqua, More Than Just Hair and Medicine Shoppe. Footman Andy Slodysko assisted riders on and off the carriage.
Beverly Conrad serenaded the crowd with her fiddle while strolling through the crowd. Her appearance was sponsored by VNA Health System.
The Kopitsky family, including Dave Sr., Dave Jr., Suzy and Olivia, sang Christmas carols to usher in the holiday season while adorned in Victorian garb.
The Anthracite Heritage Museum was open to the public from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. It will be open again from noon to 3 p.m. today. The museum is located above the Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library and admission is free.