Hopwood activities light way
HOPWOOD – With a chill in the air and smiles on children’s faces, Hopwood kicked off the Christmas season Friday with light-up night activities as several hundred people gathered to listen to Christmas carols, eat cookies, drink hot chocolate and watch the lighting of the village Christmas tree. Activities began at 5:30 p.m. when the Uniontown Chorale and St. Therese Bell Choir rang in the holiday season with specially prepared Christmas selections. Students from Hutchinson Elementary School, Ed Cupp from the band More Bad News, the Laurel Highlands Jazz Band and the Defino Band made up of Laurel Highlands High School students, all added their renditions of Christmas carols for the enjoyment of the crowd.
When Santa and Mrs. Claus finally arrived on a fire truck he brought with him 300 treat bags filled with candy for the younger children. And even the youngest of children appeared to be on their very best behavior just to make sure that Santa didn’t catch them doing something naughty.
Jim Tobal, active member of the Hopwood Village Project and chairman of Friday’s light-up night events program, said this is the fifth year that the little village nestled at the foot of the mountain has celebrated the holiday season in such a big way.
“Although preparations for this night take a lot of time, a lot of work and a lot of patience it’s certainly worth it,” said Tobal. “People look forward to light-up night ever year and the crowd keeps getting bigger and bigger.”
Tobal said last year’s light-up night attracted between 400 and 500 people and he expected that record to be broken this year.
Laurel Highlands School District Superintendent Dr. Ronald Sheba said the night showed Laurel Highlands at its best.
“The students at Hutchinson Elementary School made all of the decorations for the town Christmas tree and for businesses throughout town,” said Sheba “while the students in grades kindergarten through fifth also put on a program.”
Sheba said another example of the school’s participation was the performance by the Laurel Highlands Jazz Band and the senior project under the direction of high school teacher Chad Miller.
Miller said his nine seniors come to the Hopwood council meetings each month and helped prepare for light-up night this year.
“Each student has to have 30 hours of community service for their senior project in order to graduate,” said Miller. “The kids decorated the tree, helped pass out the glow bracelets, clean up afterwards and take the Christmas tree down after the holidays.”
Harry McElroy, chairman of the light-up night project, said the night is meant to bring the community and merchants together.
“Everyone benefits from a wonderful evening like this,” said McElroy. “People are given the opportunity to get together and talk to one another and see what the merchants have to offer.”
Jim Thomas, who lives across from the old North Union High School, said he came out to watch his grandson sing. He also said even though it was a “bit chilly” the crowd certainly put the spirit in Christmas.
Adrian Chesler, owner of Adrian’s Market and a member of the Hopwood Village Project, said his store is offering “Taste of the Season” on Saturday and Sunday.
“We want to invite everyone to come out and taste all of the things we have to offer from our deli,” said Chesler. “This gives us the opportunity to show everyone what we have available for the holiday season and gives the customer the chance to place orders.”
White Picket Fence Country Craft Store owner Audrey White said she saw a big influx of people Friday night.
“We offered free hot chocolate and cookies and a lot of people came through to take advantage of our holiday kickoff,” said White. “This makes a nice start to the holiday season.”
Jim Heinbaugh, owner of Heinbaugh’s Country Gifts, said he looks forward to light-up night ever year.
“It’s really a good thing for the town,” said Heinbaugh. “We get a nice crowd in town and everyone seems to really enjoy themselves.”
Heinbaugh also donated the town’s Christmas tree this year.
U.S. Rep. Bill Schuster (R-Hollidaysburg) sent a letter to the citizens of Hopwood commending them for sticking to the historical theme of their town.
Schuster, in his letter said, “Tonight you will be treated to a wonderful array of activities including local singers and bands, a spectacular Christmas tree and a special visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus. This event truly demonstrates the strong sense of community that has been established in Hopwood.
“I have been to the Village of Hopwood many times and every time I come I am impressed by the historic atmosphere and the citizens dedication to the revitalization of this town. Recently, I was able to secure $600,000 in the 2005 Transportation Appropriations Bill for the renovation of Hopwood Village.
“This funding will go a long way toward both preserving the town’s character and rejuvenating economic development for the Hopwood Village Project. It is interesting to consider that while many of us are trying to make Hopwood better known, there are a great many wonderful people who live here and are making Hopwood a great place to live by raising families and leading quality lives.”