REMINDER: Local Holiday Events This Weekend!

Several holiday related events are schedule to take place this weekend to kick-off December and the holiday season.

First, and on Friday, December 3rd beginning at 5:30 p.m., Ellwood City will be holding its annual Light Up Night in downtown Ellwood City.  The official lighting of the Christmas tree will take place at 6:00 p.m. with fireworks afterward. There will also be various activities for families and vendors set up on Lawrence Avenue. A horse-drawn sleigh, a local singer, a DJ and a brass quintet playing Christmas carols will also welcome visitors.

Frank Yoho, pictured on left

On Saturday, December 4th beginning at 1:00 p.m., the 49th Annual Wampum Christmas Parade will be held. With more than 50 units, including cars, floats, bands and marching groups the parade is the biggest Christmas parade in Lawrence County.  The parade is dedicated this year to Frank Yoho of Wayne Township, who portrayed Santa Claus in the parade for 28 years. Yoho passed away on June 26 at the age of 81 and is greatly missed by the Wampum community.

In addition to portraying Santa, Frank lent his considerable handyman skills to the Wampum Christmas Parade Committee on projects including creating the display which houses Santa and Mrs.Clause as they greet children in the gymnasium following the Parade. Frank’s children, Lisa, Kimberly, and Frank will ride in the Parade this year.

Also on Saturday, Ellwood City will host its 2nd Annual Reindeer Route. The drive-thru event kicks off at 5:30 p.m with a line up starting at Spring & Glen Avenues. Pack your car with your family, get in line, and follow the procession through town observing all the lit up storefront windows and finish in Ewing Park to see the the gorgeous Christmas Tree display.  Participants are asked to line up early as the event saw over 400 cars participated last year.

The Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce is also hosting its annual Ugly Sweater 5K on Saturday, December 4th beginning at 9:00 a.m. The race/walk starts at Joffre Street near Helling Stadium with an entry fee of $20.00.  All participants are encouraged to wear an “ugly sweater” during the race. For “out-of-town” supporters, the 5K is also offered as a Virtual Race [like last year]. Feel free to run, walk, treadmill, or bike from any location you choose. Record your finish time on-line – feel free to send us photos on our Facebook feed! For more race information, visit www.runsignup.com/Race/PA/anywhere/ellwoodcityUglySweater5k

It is going to be a busy weekend with lots of opportunities to make our communities a special place for everyone and welcome in visitors from around the areas.