Christmas in Kutztown featured the Archbury Foundation reenacting the WWII 83rd Infantry Unit for this year’s theme I’ll Be Home For Christmas, honoring veterans and active military on Dec. 3.
“We’re focusing on bringing the military theme for those who are not home for Christmas,” said Main Street Manager Nancy Brooks about the Kutztown Community Partnership sponsored event.
KCP and the Kutztown High School Student Council have been collecting donations to send overseas. In addition to the reenactors, specials were offered for veterans. KCP also presented Military Tributes at the Main Street Stage twice that day.
“If you are a veteran or have served in the armed forces in any way, we would like to say thank you to you and give a round of applause to express our appreciation for your services,” said Main Stage MC Adam Roberts, Lead Pastor at Grace EC Church. “We want to thank our active military and those who served our country. Also remembering those who are actively serving and are not able to be home for Christmas this year.”
Kutztown University Brass Choir performed patriotic songs as well as holiday songs during the tribute.
Brooks said KCP had a fantastic planning committee for the Christmas in Kutztown event that featured a variety of Christmas activities.
“I think today’s event has been really a great opportunity for our community to come together,” said Brooks. “I hope the community enjoyed the event and that it brought the spirit of Christmas to Kutztown.”
Brooks said some of the highlights of the day included the holiday music performed by community groups, free horse-drawn wagon rides, trains running at the Kutztown Train Station, free showing of “Elf” at The Kutztown Strand, and Christmas tree lighting at the Kutztown Historical Society.
Vendors lined Main Street offering a variety of items for sale to inspire gift giving. Small campfires offered warmth on the cold day as well as the chance to roast marshmallows. And, of course, Santa Clause made an appearance. Joel Seidel took pictures of children with Santa at his new photography studio on Main Street.
Chris Habeck and his daughter Hazel, 7, Kutztown, visited with Santa. Hazel was all smiles while Santa asked if she was ready for Christmas. A little tickle encouraged a bigger smile while Seidel took their picture.
“I love that the kids have an opportunity to enjoy Christmas and see all the local crafts and meet their friends,” said Chris.
When asked about Santa, Chris said, “I think Santa’s real.” After Hazel talked with Santa and posed for a photo, he said, “I love it. I think she enjoys it and that’s the most important thing.”
Main Street Stage featured holiday musical performances of all ages throughout the day. Performers included Kutztown Community Choir, Kutztown Middle School Jazz Choir, Grace EC Church College Ministry, and Kutztown School District Student Band.
“It’s a showcase of what’s the best of Kutztown,” said Main Stage MC Paul Mannino. “We’ve got children, middle schoolers, high school students and adults. We’re a community so that’s the heart of it. For Christmas, we’re a community all together, enjoying the holiday season together.”
“Kutztown is our home so we want to highlight Kutztown,” said Roberts.
Grace EC Church, Kutztown, College Ministry danced the Christmas story.
“Grace is sharing with Kutztown what the story of Christmas is through play and dance,” said Mark Campbell, a Kutztown University junior.
“(We liked) just being part of Grace Church and being able to represent Grace Church in the community,” said Kassidy Rineer, a KU senior.
Kevin and Patricia McCloskey, Kutztown, attended the Christmas in Kutztown event with big smiles on their faces. They enjoyed the music and the fires set up on Main Street to help attendees keep warm.
“I’m glad they established it and I’m glad that they’re keeping it going and I will come every year,” said Patricia about Christmas in Kutztown.
