Sleigh bells will ring in Freeport as the holiday celebration returns on Saturday.
The Freeport Renaissance Association presents its Christmas in a small town.
The association had virtual and socially distanced activities last year, and there was no parade.
“I just think it will be a really good opportunity for community members to come together, especially since we weren’t able to run this event at full capacity last year,” said Cheyenne Filous, l one of FRA’s newest volunteers. “I think it will be a great way to approach the holidays, especially if we do it a few weeks before Christmas.”
Long-time volunteer Sue Hunter, 79, said she came out of retirement this year to help with FRA events, particularly Small Town Christmas. She works with the firefighters on the parade.
“I’m so thrilled that so many Freeport Area High School sports teams come by truck or tank or on foot,” she said.
About 20 groups signed up, including Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops. The high school golf team should bring golf carts.
Hunter, who bakes cookies for the library bake sale, said this will be her last year helping with FRA event planning.
“We had a great group of people at FRA, and they always wanted to do more,” Hunter said. “I enjoyed it very much. I liked working with the people who were involved.
Filous moved to the borough several months ago with her husband, Zachary.
She said she learned a lot from FRA volunteers and was happy to be involved.
“We kind of jumped in head first to see how we can help this organization and this community,” Filous said. “We are just happy to be able to get involved in the community and to make our place here. I can’t wait to see what the turnout will look like. »
Activities
• The festivities begin at 8 am with the Freeport Area Library Flea Market, Christmas Shop and Bake Sale.
• Breakfast with Santa is scheduled from 8:30 am to 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 608 Main Street.
• Pet photos with Santa will be available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., by appointment only, at NextHome Dynamic, 235 Fifth St. Call 724-295-5500 or email [email protected] to plan. Photos are free. Donations will be accepted for Orphans of the Storm.
• NextHome Dynamic is hosting a gingerbread house contest and exhibit from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Children and adults are welcome. Entries must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Friday.
• A nativity scene is scheduled from 2 to 5 p.m. at St. Mary’s.
• Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church is hosting a bake sale and open house from 3-5 p.m. at 323 Fifth St.
• The December Mingle Off Market, an event bringing together various businesses in the borough’s business district, has been moved to Saturday in connection with Christmas in a small town.
Companies and merchants will participate from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Parade, tree lighting
Parade programming is scheduled from 4:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. at the First and High Street boat launch.
The parade begins at 5 p.m., descends First Street and left on Market Street, turns right on Second Street, then left on Riverside Drive, left on Fifth Street through the CBD and ends at Hope Garden.
Harrison, Buffalo and South Buffalo are expected to be among the other fire departments in the parade.
Freeport Fire Marshal Michael Greiser has been in the parade since 1996.
“It’s probably one of the best parades (of the year),” he said. “There always seems to be a very good attendance. It really starts this festive season for the city.
Seats are available. Applications to participate in the parade can be picked up at 1833 Coffee and Tea Co.
They must be completed and returned to the cafe by Thursday.
Interested groups can also contact Sue Hunter at 724-295-2041 or 724-681-0317 or [email protected].
A tree lighting ceremony is scheduled after the parade at Hope Garden, near the corner of Mulberry Way and Fifth Street. Freeport Area School District Choir Director Tom Koharchik will lead a song.
Michael DiVittorio is a staff writer for Tribune-Review. You can contact Michael at 412-871-2367, [email protected] or via Twitter .
