Christmas in the Valley will celebrate 20 years this Saturday, Dec. 19. This event, which brings the community together each year to sing carols in the center of town, begins at 7 p.m.
“It’s a tradition [for Oley] – same thing every year. People love it,” says organizer Kristie Swavely. She has been a part of the event since its start 20 years ago – one of only four original committee members.
A couple of years ago, the event date changed from Sunday to Saturday evening. The change makes it easier to can combine Christmas in the Valley with family gatherings, and many do, including Swaverly herself.
“When I was a kid, we used to go caroling to people’s houses; it’s neat to see people pull together for the Christmas spirit,” she said. “People come from all over. It’s the camaraderie – that’s my favorite part.”
Participants gather at different points to meet in the center of town – the Oley Valley Inn – to sing holiday songs together. The three points include the Oley Fire Company, Weis Supermarket, and Friedens Church. Luminaries – 1,500 of them – will be placed along Main Street, Friedensburg Road, De Turk Road and Lynx Drive.
For carolers, it is recommended to meet by 6:30 p.m. at any of the location. Music sheets and candles will be available. The fire company will start caroling at 6:40 p.m., other locations will start at 6:45, merging at the Inn at 7 p.m. Cookies and hot cocoa will be available for the crowd.
Musicians are encouraged to meet at 6:15 p.m. at the Oley Valley Inn. Anyone with an instrument is welcome to play along. To receive music ahead of time, contact Chip Strunk at 610-921-3501.
As a part of the event, there will be a collection of nonperishable food items for the Oley Food Pantry. Toiletries are needed the most.
“We get some – not a lot,” said Swaverly in reference to past collections for the pantry. “They need so much. The people at the food bank do what they can – it’s up to us to help them. We forget that there’s people out there that don’t have, that’s key.”
Following the caroling, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will make a special appearance to meet children.
