Uniontown preparing for Home for the Holidays Parade
Offering an evening full of excitement, the 2015 Home for the Holidays Parade and Visit from Santa will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 19.
Held in partnership with the Fayette Chamber of Commerce, the National Road Heritage Corridor, the State Theatre Center for the Arts, the Uniontown Downtown Business District Authority (USBDA) and the city, the event features a parade with the arrival of Santa as well as activities that include the lighting of the City Holiday Tree and new snowflake decorations on lampposts.
“We’re hoping people realize how wonderful Uniontown and Fayette County is to live in,” said Donna Holdorf, UDBDA chairwoman. “While they’re waiting for the parade, we hope they notice the local shops and places to spend their Christmas cash. We want them to think about buying local.”
She noted the event is also a way “to meet old friends, make new friends and enjoy the spirits of the season.”
The parade begins at the Fayette County Courthouse and continues along Main Street to General George C. Marshall Memorial Plaza at the Five Corners intersection. Registration for the parade is open until Monday afternoon and a registration form can be obtained by calling the National Road office at 724-437-9877.
Holdorf said Ben Franklin School Band will lead the parade and Uniontown High School Band will lead Santa Claus, who will arrive with nine motorcycle reindeer driven by ABATE members in front of his sleigh, followed by the Uniontown Fire Department.
Phil Michael, city councilman, who is an event co-chairman with Tina Allen for after-parade activities, noted the activity area is more condensed than in previous years due to construction.
The city is blocking off an area from Gallatin Avenue to Beeson Avenue with many activities taking place in Storey Square.
“We have a lot of good stuff happening,” said Michael, expressing appreciation for the partnerships and volunteers who put on the event.
The night will feature the acknowledgment of sponsors of the new snowflake decorations that are being placed on city lampposts, an effort started last June by Allen.
She said she raised $6,200 for the decorations with 12 major sponsors.
Allen said, “My hats off to everyone who’s doing a wonderful job to have the lights up and working. It’s beautiful downtown.”
Activities that follow the parade include lighting of the City Holiday Tree, donated by Duane and Audrey White, in Storey Square. Children can visit with Santa Claus while Mrs. Claus and Uniontown Cheerleader “elves” will help them write a letter to Santa.
Visitors can make a tree ornament, listen to carolers from local schools and churches in different locations as well as the VFW Band as it performs on the Storey Square stage. There will be free hot chocolate and cookies while other items will also be available on the street for sale.
Cookies for a Cause will be hosted by the State Theatre, starting at 6 p.m., with 14 non-profits selling holiday cookies to support their organizations.
Visitors can stroll to Vintage Antiques for some magical reindeer food.
Free wagon rides will start at Peter Street, courtesy of the Uniontown Fire Department and Fayette County Fair.
More information on post-parade events is available by calling Rebecca Hilton at 724-438-4289 or sending an email to rebecca@uniontownredevelopment.com.