A very merry weekend
Santa Claus was once again the featured highlight and just one of the many festive and merry attractions during the Greene County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas Parade on Dec. 2. (Photo by Steve Barrett)
The Grinch certainly wasn't a mean one during the annual Christmas Parade in downtown Waynesburg on Dec. 2, waving and smiling at the many children in attendance. (Photo by Brett Spitznogle)
Pictured (l. to r.) are the grand marshals of the 2017 Waynesburg Christmas Parade: Waynesburg University President Doug Lee, representing the university, which was selected as Greene County Chamber of Commerce's 2017 McCracken Legacy Award winner; Eden Rogers, Miss Rain Day 2017; and Chuck Baily of Waynesburg – who was selected as the Chamber’s 2017 Distinguished Service Award winner – with his wife, Shirley Baily. (Photo by Steve Barrett)
Dancers from “Time to Dance with Kel and Co.” entertain the audience with a festive performance during the annual Christmas Parade. (Photo by Steve Barrett)
Patrons who attended the Holiday Open House in downtown Waynesburg on Dec. 1 were able to enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides courtesy of Fred Kiger. (Photo by Brett Spitznogle)
Featured among the 81 units in Greene County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas parade were several young ladies who were crowned Miss Merry Christmas queens from their respective schools. They are, from left, McKayla Jacobs, West Greene High School, daughter of Amy Thomas and Dave Jacobs; Olivia King, Waynesburg Central High School, daughter of Gary and Shalene King; and Riley Payo, Jefferson Morgan High School, daughter of Margaret and Jaison Abell. (Photo by Jeanine Henry)
WAYNESBURG – The Christmas spirit is alive and well in Greene County, considering the enthusiastic response from organizers of two of the premier holiday events that took place last weekend.
Festivities began Friday with the ninth annual Holiday Open House in downtown Waynesburg, featuring among other things, extended hours offered by more than 20 merchants that drew large numbers of shoppers into their stores.
“Many of the merchants reported very successful sales and that was really the goal of the open house,” said JoAnne Marshall, the county’s director of tourism.
Marshall, who also served as volunteer chairman for the Holiday Open House that was presented by Waynesburg Prosperous & Beautiful, said last Friday’s event drew one of the largest open house crowds.
“People were standing in lines for just about everything, including pictures with Santa, caricatures drawn by artist Jeff Harris and free horse-drawn carriage rides through the downtown streets,” Marshall said. “And the weather was just perfect.”
The festive season was also in full swing on Saturday.
Santa and Mrs. Claus were the special guests at “Breakfast with Santa” on the lower level of the 4-H Building at the Greene County Fairgrounds. The event included a breakfast catered by the Greene County Career and Technology Center Culinary Arts Program. Children received a picture with Santa, a Santa hat and a special treat. Children who attended also decorated cookies, including a cookie Christmas tree ornament.
Also, now through Dec 12, local children are invited to send letters to Santa in care of the Department of Recreation. Any child wishing to receive a personalized letter from Santa can simply send a letter with a completed letter request form to Greene County Department of Recreation, ATTN: Santa Claus, 107 Fairgrounds Road, Waynesburg, PA 15370.
Letter request forms include the child’s contact and basic information, including gender, age and any gifts requested from Santa, and must be completed by a parent or guardian. The “Dear Santa” template is available online at www.co.greene.pa.us.
A completed form must accompany each letter, and please limit one request per child. Children should receive the letters before Christmas. There is no cost for a letter from Santa as funding has been provided through various sponsors and fundraising efforts the Department of Recreation holds throughout the year.
Also on Saturday, the Greene County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas Parade, featuring 81 units, kicked off at 2 p.m.
“It was a big success,” said Melody Longstreth, Chamber executive director. “I think the crowd was one of the largest we have had and I am sure the weather played a part in that.”
She also said volunteers working the parade observed that people stayed around and socialized once the parade concluded.
“Normally, once Santa makes his appearance, everyone takes off for home. But not this year,” Longstreth said.
Winners of the float competition were: First place, Seldom Seen Farm; second place, WWJD Christian Center; and third place, Waynesburg VFW Auxiliary. Greene County 4-H Clubs was awarded Best Design; Rolling Meadows Nursing and Rehabilitation was awarded Most Spirit; and Corner Cupboard Food Bank received the award for Most Original float.
Serving as the parade’s grand marshals were Eden Rogers, Miss Rain Day 2017; the Chamber’s 2017 Distinguished Service Award winner, Chuck Baily of Waynesburg; and the 2017 McCracken Legacy Award winner, Waynesburg University, represented by President Doug Lee.
Longstreth said the Chamber is proud to bring this event to the Waynesburg community each year and acknowledged the many individuals, organizations, businesses, schools and churches whose contributions make the parade happen.
She said a full album of every unit in the parade along with many candid shots is posted on the Chamber’s Facebook Page at www.Facebook.com/GreeneCountyPaChamberofCommerce.
Saturday also featured the second annual “Christmas in the ‘Burg” event, tweaked this year to “Broadway in the ‘Burg,” a food and spirit tasting experience held in downtown Waynesburg; proceeds raised through donations will benefit the Corner Cupboard Food Bank.
The weekend also featured the annual Christmas Open House at the Greene County Historical Society Museum, which was adorned in an array of holiday decorations, antique toy displays and a silent auction. Candlelight tours and seasonal goodies were also available during each evening, and Santa Claus was also there to take pictures.