Smethport Rings in Christmas Season with Light-Up Night

Smethport Web – by Nathan Muller

The Holiday season in Smethport was officially opened with the annual Christmas Tree Light-Up on Saturday evening sponsored by the Smethport Area Chamber of Commerce.

A record crowd of almost 200 people showed up at the northeast corner of Main and Union Streets to join the festivities. Cheers greeted Santa Claus as he arrived on the scene under police escort.

Five high school students under the direction of Matt Bailey, Director of Bands for the Smethport School District, entertained with holiday music, after which Smethport Mayor Wayne Foltz read the official Borough Proclamation. This was followed by a count-down for the lighting of the tree by Santa.

The festivities continued across the street in a spacious storefront building recently renovated by Lisa and Wayne Foltz where Santa visited with children and handed out toys. Santa’s helpers led children in a variety of crafts while high school band members played more holiday music.

In addition to the hot chocolate that was served, a wagon-load of flavored sodas from Compton’s Mom & Pop Soda Shop was provided by Smethport Web Services. Children pored over the brightly colored bottles, selecting Bug Barf and Worm Ooze, among other tasty brands.

Hayrides around Smethport allowed everyone to enjoy the mild weather while taking in local holiday decorations. Megan Simms of Colonial Media was on hand to report live on the event to area radio listeners.

Band members were treated to an after-party at Fox Pizza by Ascent Solutions. Fox has four nicely-equipped game rooms on the second floor where teens and families can gather for food and fun.

The Smethport Chamber thanks the following individuals and organizations for making this year’s Light-Up night a huge success:

“Santa”
Graham Nannen
Charles Leasure
Megan Simms
Jovanna Porter
Darlene Darward
Cindy Wright
Wayne & Lisa Foltz
Phil Smith
Linda Lake
Matt Bailey
Ryan Woodring
Brooke Kane-Walker
Alex Knapp
Kaleigh Sanderson
Bill Gallup
James Larson
Borough Police Department
Colonial Media + Entertainment
Compton’s Mom & Pop Soda Shop
Ascent Solutions
Smethport Web Services
Fox Pizza