Farmington gets holiday spirit
Event organizer Virginia Brugger deemed the annual Farmington Light-up Night a success. Brugger said around 260 people came out to enjoy the night, the event’s highest turnout since it was initiated three years ago.
People who came out for the event said “it was beautiful,” said Brugger. “Everyone was so cheerful with the Christmas spirit. It is a nice time of year.”
The weather cooperated Friday with clear skies, allowing people to enjoy the festivities.
“It was a perfect night,” said Brugger.
The event featured a white, horse-drawn carriage driven by Justin Bates of Markleysburg, Santa, Mrs. Claus and Frosty the Snowman, played by Eugene Glover, Brugger and Clint Brugger, respectively.
The carriage was new to the event this year.
The A.J. McMullen Middle School band and choir, directed by Joel Hudock, played and sang Christmas carols, while attendants kept warm before a bon fire and by drinking hot chocolate.
“It was a nice thing for the kids to do and they were so excited to do it,” Brugger said. “The kids were anxious to get involved.”
The highlight of the night was the lighting of the community Christmas tree located outside the municipal building. Brugger’s grandsons, Wade and Gage, helped to light the tree. Six to eight area businesses contributed to the event, while Jim Means, Wharton Township supervisor, helped set up the lighting prior to the event, Brugger said.
Brugger said 253 people turned out for the community event in its first year in 2007, while last year’s attendance totaled about 100 people. Turnout was low because it rained that year, she said.
Brugger and Shirley Workman first organized the community event to offer a local activity for the community and local school children.
“We’re trying to do this a little better every year,” said Brugger. “We’re trying to get all kids in the schools involved a little.”