Wampum Readies for the Holidays

Starting December 1st, Wampum is the place to be for Christmas ambiance. An old fashioned celebration, Wampum ‘Light Up the Town’ takes place on Thursday December 1st followed 2 days later by the traditional Wampum Christmas Parade.

Light Up the Town

The 2016 ‘Light Up the Town’ night continues the long time tradition of horse and carriage rides through the luminary-lined streets from 6pm until the Pyrotechnico firework display begins at 8:00 pm.    (The Davis family who own Wampum Hardware have generously donated the Fireworks.  Like many people with Wampum roots, they have a deep affection for the town and also participate with a float in the Wampum Christmas Parade each year.)

WABA (Wampum Area Business Association) is excited to add the Presbyterian Church Strolling Carolers’ to the event this year along with the usual entertainment and complimentary cookies and beverages throughout Main Street.  While waiting for your turn for the carriage ride, you can enjoy live music performed by the Northside Kindergarten Carolers, performances by Dance Expressions, Diamond Dance, and the Cloggers.  You can also watch a local artisan carving gift items from wood which you can purchase on the spot.  The Wampum Revitalization Committee will hold activities for children in the historic Wampum Station including story telling and Face Painting by Nancy.

Wampum Christmas Parade

 On Saturday December 3rd, the ‘Best Little Parade in PA’ will start at 1 pm with confetti cannons and multiple piñatas for children throughout the parade route.   Donna Kuiken, Chairperson of the longstanding tradition, knows that the parade is for the spectators and when you can engage them early, it becomes “their” parade.  For decades, she and her committee have recruited local children to dress as Wampum Indian Braves and whatever characters are trendy for the particular year.  Kuiken notes, “They grow up and they watch the parade. They enroll their children in the parade, and everyone feels part of the tradition.”

Rose Byers, the owner of Byers Trucking and an avid volunteer and donor to Wampum organizations, is the honored Parade Marshal of this 44th Christmas Parade.  Byers’ car will lead a mix of military, local politicians, fire trucks, queens, bands, scouts, marching units, dance groups, Shriners, floats, costumed characters, the Pittsburgh Steeline Band, Super Heros, Inside Out Group, Lego people, The Muppets, Ninja Turtles and much more.

For the 5th consecutive year, the Lawrence County Court of Common Pleas Judges will review the Parade from the old fashioned Grand Stand on Main Street.   Judges Dom Motto, Craig Cox, John Hodge have said it’s a pleasure to be part of the parade, and Judge Dave Acker will join them for the first time,

Closing the parade, the floats bearing Santa and Mrs. Clause and will go directly to the Wampum gymnasium where the Clauses will hand out treat bags to the children who have been registered in advance.

Also following the Parade, the Wampum Women’s Club will hold their Annual Bazaar at the Wampum American Legion.  They will have hot sandwiches, beverages, other food,  baked goods & tickets for several raffles.

This year make Wampum part of your family’s Christmas tradition.

Photos provided by Wampum Business staff.