Canonsburg’s Old Fashioned Christmas grows into multiday event
Celeste Van Kirk
Pike Street is transformed into a winter wonderland for Canonsburg’s Old Fashioned Christmas in 2018.
Celeste Van Kirk
Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus arrive on a fire truck during Canonsburg’s Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration in 2018.
Observer-Reporter
Albert Dami, 5, of Hendersonville makes friends with a camel and donkey Saturday that was part of a live nativity scenes during Canonsburg’s Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration.
Celeste Van Kirk
Gloria Dunkle hands Olivia Jones, 3, of Canonsburg a Hallmark Christmas tree ornament during the 2018 Canonsburg’s Old Fashioned Christmas celebration.
Even though it rained on Canonsburg’s Old Fashioned Christmas last year, the volunteers who organize and operate the event were not deterred.
This year, the event will be two days and offer more to patrons to get into the spirit of the season.
Canonsburg’s Old Fashioned Christmas is set for December 6 and 7 and features a parade, photos with Santa Claus in Candy Land, a food court, gift market and a live Nativity and holiday music, among other offerings.
“Canonsburg’s Old Fashioned Christmas allows us to share this special time of year with friends and family, come together as a community and experience the wonder and magic of Christmas,” said Lisa Scarmazzi, principal Scarmazzi Homes and chairperson of the event. “It’s an opportunity to focus on what’s important, to forget about our daily routine and truly enjoy ourselves. By continuing this celebration in our community, we hope to create an annual tradition and lasting memories for everyone that joins us.”
Scarmazzi said Bluestar USA would again bring its Holiday Wish charity and Christmas Tree sale to the event. With every tree purchased, a tree, stand, ornament kit and lights are donated to a local family in need.
“We will also be featuring a Toys for Tots toy drive by Local Brownie Troop 16106, fundraiser by Operation Santa to provide a holiday celebration for the children of active military families along with giving children the opportunity to create a Christmas card for our military abroad while waiting for a photo with Santa,” Scarmazzi said.
Canonsburg’s Old Fashioned Christmas committee includes about 20 people, each contributing various skills and talents to the coordination and execution of this event.
“Without these individuals that have given their time, experience and commitment, this would not be possible,” Scarmazzi said. “Volunteers are needed during set-up, the event itself and tear-down. There are many opportunities available, and we promise a fun, cheerful and exciting experience.”
Anyone interested in volunteering can sign up to join at CanonsburgChristmas.com.
Scarmazzi and R.T. Bell, Canonsburg borough council president and committee member, said last year with just three months of planning, the event was a “huge” success.
“Spirits weren’t dampened by the weather, and more than 2,000 visitors embarked on our town to celebrate the holiday season with us,” Scarmazzi said. “This year, we started our planning in February and not only expanded on the days and area of the celebration but also our attractions, events and decorating of the town.”
Bell said it’s the effort of the committee and in the community that makes the event exciting and attractive.
“We’re working on making this a yearly event,” Bell said. “We have a lot of community effort with this. The weather didn’t cooperate last year, and we still had a good crowd. It really amazed me. It was pouring down rain. People are into Christmas. It’s an exciting time for kids.
“Lisa has done a fantastic job, and people are interested. It’s a fun event, special for people.”
A.J. Williams, chairman of the Canonsburg Chamber of Commerce and committee member, said the event has “taken off this year.”
“Last year, we had it on one block and in one parking lot,” Williams said. “Within two months, the committee had it planned for two days, two blocks and decorating from one end of town to the other.
“I think this will be like everything else in Canonsburg; when we do something, we do it right, 100 percent, over the top, done right.”
Scarmazzi acknowledged the intent is to grow Canonsburg’s Old Fashioned Christmas into a regional celebration.
“Our town is rich in tradition and is home to wonderful people and businesses,” she added. “We want to open our doors, invite everyone in and share what our great town has to offer.”
Scarmazzi said that The Hallmark Channel would once again be a sponsor of the celebration. The details of its involvement are still in the planning stage, but Scarmazzi said The Hallmark Channel would donate a new Christmas Tree to Canonsburg, along with all its adornments.
Lights will be displayed along the front of all buildings in the downtown business district, trees and the town entrance bridge. Atttendes can also expect impressive new window displays, a Christmas gift market, holiday music performances, activities for children and a Christmas Tree Lot.
The community gingerbread house contest and the corporate gingerbread house fundraiser and challenge are particularly notable due to the $500 entry fee. Scarmazzi said the Gingerbread House fundraiser challenge is the brainchild of committee members Sharon and Keith Evans of Zoom Corp. and has become one the most anticipated events.
With a $500 donation, organizations were given a large Gingerbread House wood façade to adorn. These houses will be mounted and displayed along Pike Street during the event and throughout the holiday season.
“Voting on best-decorated house will take place during the celebration with the winner being announced on Saturday evening,” Scarmazzi added. “This event was an integral part of our fundraising efforts, and we are extremely happy with the participation and results.
The Gingerbread House Fundraiser and Challenge has confirmed my belief that people enjoy being involved with their community. This attraction has brought together various organizations for the sole purpose of helping us to continue this tradition. We were able to provide a platform for these companies for team building, giving back and being a part of a community and event like no other.”
Williams said the event is “cool,” and it is in line with other celebrations in Canonsburg like Octoberfest and 5K in the spring.
“We’ll keep trying to build it up,” Williams said.
Bell said because this event is at Christmas makes it most unique. Scarmazzi agrees.
“The holiday season can be extremely difficult for those that do not have the financial wherewithal to participate in outings or celebrations during the holiday season,” Scarmazzi said. “Because of the generosity of local businesses and individuals, we offer all attractions at no charge and provide the opportunity for all to join us.
“This event has also given us, along with our visitors, a platform to give back during the holiday season.”
Funds are still needed for various areas of the event, and donations can be made online at CanonsburgChristmas.com. To stay updated on Canonsburg’s Old Fashioned Christmas, like their Facebook page, Canonsburg Christmas.