Nov 22, 2002 By Steve Ferris 3 min read

Anticipation in the voices of children waiting their turn to visit Santa, the jingling bells of a horse-drawn carriage and melodies of singers in the crisp winter air welcomed Christmas to Fayette County Thursday night. “Light Up Night” in downtown Uniontown started with a parade that carried Santa and local officials to the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree.

It didn’t end until all the kids who lined up outside the State Theatre Center for the Arts on Main Street got to talk to Santa and had a cup of hot chocolate.

The Fayette Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business District Authority encouraged businesses to stay open late for the holiday season kickoff.

Business owners seemed to enjoy the event as much as the holiday revelers.

“The parade did bring a lot of people downtown who normally don’t come,” said Terri Sharp of Colorworks/Kids Corner on Main Street. “It’s been really nice to see so many new faces.”

Fayette County Commissioner Vince Vicites and Uniontown Mayor Jim Sileo welcomed everybody and dedicated the holiday season to the county’s paid and volunteer emergency medical service personnel. Sileo said EMS crews are often the first to arrive at emergencies.

Tina Allen, who manages the State Theatre’s arts and crafts store, said more people turned out for the event this year than last year. She said many people were just browsing, but she was pleased with the number of purchases that were made.

“This is a great opportunity to show off downtown and the store,” said Steve Neubauer of Neubauer’s Flowers.

He said he hadn’t seen downtown so crowded since he opened his South Gallatin Avenue shop 20 years ago. “We’re coming back,” he said about the downtown area. “I truly believe it.”

Neubauer hopes shopping momentum grows and extended his business hours to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays to accommodate customers.

Sharp also plans on adding hours during the holidays. She said the store will remain open until 7 p.m. on Fridays and 3 or 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

Sharp, Allen, Neubauer and many other store owners offered “Light Up Night” discounts to help bring people in.

Many businesses hosted performers and had treats, refreshments and activities.

The Albert Gallatin Chorus and Sax Quintet performed at First Federal Savings and Loan of Greene County.

The South Street Grille had free hot dogs and fries for members of the Uniontown High School marching band and kids under 12 and karaoke.

The Fayette Building played host to the Raider Dozen Band, Asbury Choir, a DJ and a tree decorating.