Dec 5, 2025 4 min read

Courtesy of The Wedding Cookie Table Community

A team from Altadena, Calif., participated remotely in the World’s Largest Christmas Cookie Exchange.

Hit: Bakers from near and far came to Washington County last weekend for the World’s Largest Christmas Cookie Exchange. In all, 33 teams decked out in holiday regalia exchanged cookies at the fairgrounds Sunday while another 35 teams participated remotely at sites across the United States and in New Zealand. While numbers were still being tabulated this week, organizer Laura Magone estimates teams made around 80,000 cookies. For some of the bakers, like the Altadena Cookie Exchange, who participated remotely from California, the event was cathartic. Leading the team was Kelsey Cushing, whose family lost their home earlier this year in the Eaton Fire that destroyed more than 9,000 buildings and left 19 dead. Cushing lost everything, including Christmas ornaments, family heirlooms, homemade vanilla extracts, and bakeware used during holidays. For her and other team members, being a part of the exchange was healing. “Going through an experience like that, you cherish traditions, you mourn the loss of things. But we’re really resilient and strong, and we wanted to be a part of something joyful,” said Cushing. “We had such a fun time. Our community is going to make new traditions as we start over, and I bet we will do it again next year, even if it’s on our own.”

Courtesy of 2000 Turkeys

Kang’s Black Belt Academy held its annual kickboxing fundraiser for 2000 Turkeys. This year’s winner was Hudson Cadez, 4. To the left of Hudson is 2000 Turkeys member Laural Ziemba. From left, top, are 2000 Turkeys chairman Dave Rhome, Kang’s Black Belt Academy owner Jeff Jox, and 2000 Turkeys board members Bob Pinarski and Jacob Knizner.

Hit: Thanks to an outpouring of generosity from the community, the 2000 Turkeys campaign wrapped up a stunningly successful fund drive by setting a new record, raising more than a quarter-million dollars – $263,000, to be precise – for Thanksgiving meals. The credit goes to all of the individuals, companies, organizations, churches and schools who stepped up to make sure their neighbors in need would have a holiday meal with loved ones. The 2000 Turkeys campaign – initiated 41 years ago by the Observer-Reporter and WJPA Radio – partners with Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Food Helpers of Washington County, and City Mission Boxes of Love to provide the dinners to Washington County families in need.

Courtesy of Jen Salaway

Graciana Grimes and Lucas Salaway, of Frazier High School, performed with the Macy’s Great American Marching Band at the 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

Hit: A couple of area students were among those high-stepping through the streets of Manhattan last week as part of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Lucas Salaway and Graciana Grimes, seniors at Frazier High School, performed in the Macy’s Great American Marching Band, joining an elite ensemble of top high school musicians from across the United States. For the pair, who have played in the Frazier band since elementary school, representing Frazier High and the town of Perryopolis held special meaning. “Knowing I’m from such a small school and the parade is such a big deal, I’m proud of myself and Graciana, and proud to represent our school and town,” said Salaway. Both musicians are well-versed on multiple instruments, but Salaway played the trombone while Grimes played the mellophone, a brass instrument similar to a French horn. The Macy’s event is the country’s second-oldest Thanksgiving parade and has been held since 1924. It typically attracts 3.5 million spectators and is watched by more than 50 million television viewers. The Great American Marching Band was created in 2006, and has since become a staple, bringing together top musicians, color guards and dancers from high schools nationwide.