“He’s coming, he’s coming!” shouted the children waiting inside the Caernarvon Township’s Social Hall on Main Street in Morgantown this past Saturday, Dec. 6.
Hearing fire truck sirens blazing, they streamed out of the building spying Santa riding on the top of a Twin Valley Fire Truck, waving. Just a little past 10 a.m. and there he was climbing off the truck and greeting the excited children. He was followed by Twin Valley Fire Department Fire Chief Tom “Pete” Hornberger and his Dalmatian dog, Siren, another hometown favorite.
Caernarvon Township Chairman of Caernarvon Parks and Recreation Committee John Conlow was in charge with volunteers greeting and moving the crowd.
“This is our largest Community Christmas Celebration ever. People can come and go for two hours. It is put on yearly almost exclusively by our group. This year’s sponsors and volunteers are Ganster Karate, Joanna Store, the Elverson-Morgantown Lions Club and Girl Scout Troop 1724,” he said.
“It is great to see the children enjoying the holiday and mingling with the community. So far we have over 200 people attending. This looks to be our best turn out,” said Maize Holland, committee member who was greeting and counting the people.
The kids were already in line to see Santa with some sitting on his lap whispering their Christmas wishes.
“My elves told me I had to get here this morning and talk to all these good little boys and girls. I am hundreds and hundreds of years old. It is a very great day. The elves were right, such good children,” said Santa Claus with that twinkle in his eyes.
Many grandparents were there with their grandkids waiting in line. Twin Valley fire fighter Tom Glennon and his wife Catherine said, “Our grandchildren Tommy and Emma were so excited to come. They are having so much fun. What a great Santa and what a great time,”
“I love seeing the children’s faces. In addition to refreshments of cookies, punch, coffee and hot chocolate we have a tree, a train platform, and free shopping for the kids,” said Dottie Regetta, event organizer.
“We have been coming every year with the grandkids. They were so excited they couldn’t wait for today to come. It is a big crowd this year,” said Jim and his wife Mimi Zawislak, who were waiting patiently as all 8 grandchildren ages 1 to 10 (including a set of twins), took turns with Santa.
Three large tables near the front door were staffed by teenagers from the Twin Valley Leo Club. Offering a secret Santa table with a twist, all attending children were welcome to select a free gift for both their mother and father. There were tape measures, levels, flashlights, ice scrapers, tennis balls, mugs, jewelry, cell phone covers, ornaments, candles, etc. Then the child could move on to the wrapping table were each gift was carefully wrapped.
“I can’t wait, she’s going to love this… oh I can’t wait,” said a little boy who had picked a pretty pink bracelet for Mommy.
Stationed near the door was Petunia the Clown, dressed in all colors, twisting balloons into animals, hats, and all types of shapes and figures. There was a long line trailing around in front of her.
“It is great to see the children’s responses. It’s gotten bigger. What a great community response and all the donated new Toys for Tots filling the bins,” said Faye Heffner, volunteer.
“The girls get a really good feeling volunteering at community events. It is an amazing day, Girl Scouts from Troop 1724 are working toward their Bronze Awards. What fun to see these children so happy,” said Shannon Long.
