The sound of ‘Jingle Bells’ filled Kutztown Nov. 30 for Main Street Christmas and Small Business Saturday.
While The Kutztones,Kutztown University’s student-run cappella group,sang carols outside of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Diane Piscitelli of the Kutztown Community Partnership, said, ‘It’s a nice time to bring people into Kutztown and learn about the stores we have.’
Piscitelli said some of her favorite activities of the holiday event were the caroling, photos with Santa, ornament making and the stores ‘swarming with people, so that’s all exciting.’
‘I hope it brings a continued tradition that people will find this a destination to go to before the holidays,’ said Piscitelli.
‘I just really like seeing everyone out on the streets… just makes you feel alive. It’s nice to see [Kutztown] pop,’ said Xavier Aponte, KCP Project Manager for three months. Previously he was a KCP volunteer for six months, ‘just trying to do right by the town.’
Jointly hosted by university organizations, KCP, Borough of Kutztown and local business owners, event highlights included a Holiday Marketplace at Eckhaus Art Gallery and candy creation workshop at Pop’s Malt Shoppe. Also, during the event, the Kutztown Rotary Club donated $1,000 to KCP for office supplies.
‘I love the ornament making,’ said Aponte about his favorite part of the event.
Children had the opportunity to make their own holiday ornament at Eckhaus, using floor wax, glitter and stickers.
‘We found it on Pinterest and it’s really simple,’ he said. ‘And they don’t break so they’re good for the little kids.’
KCP volunteer Cara Hayes helped with the ornament decorating.
‘I like that this brings the whole community together, the kids and the local artists. It’s a nice thing for everybody,’ said Hayes.
Mason Long, 7, Blandon, decorated a Christmas ornament. His father, Timothy Long, said they try to go to a local town and shop the little shops every year.
‘I like to support small business. I despise malls so this is just a lot of fun,’ said Long. ‘I like the craft making for him and he enjoyed getting his photo taken with Santa. Every shop we’ve stopped in everyone has been very friendly. It’s been a lot of fun.’
Shanna Kichline and Berlin Kichline Haas, 5, Fleetwood, came to see Santa at Pop’s Malte Shoppe. Berlin asked Santa for a jewelry box.
When asked what Kichline was looking forward to at the event, she said, ‘Just seeing her happy.’
The holiday celebrations culminated near the Borough Railroad Station with the tree lighting, sponsored by Matt Williams and Rebecca Laincz of Firefly Bookstore. Santa arrived on the back of a firetruck with sirens announcing his arrival.
And the tree was lit and the small crowd sang carols.
For more information about KCP events or to volunteer contact Xavier Aponteat kcp@hometownu.com.
