Nov 19, 2009 By Patty Yauger 2 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – Santa Claus and a few of his closest friends will spend Saturday in Connellsville as local organizations set the holiday season in motion with horse-drawn carriage rides, a parade, fireworks and other activities. The celebration begins at 1 p.m. at Yough Park, where children will have the opportunity to give their Christmas wish list to Santa in person and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies.

Adults, too, can purchase hot dogs, popcorn or hot chocolate while their children visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

This year, various businesses, organizations and individuals, including Animal House, Dairy Queen, Cindy’s Florist, Connellsville Towers, Armstrong, Kathryn’s Jewelry, Fayette EMS and Patty Lint, have donated 11 baskets for a Chinese auction.

The baskets are filled with board games, soccer balls, coloring books, stuffed animals, sports memorabilia and other surprises.

Those attending the event can purchase auction tickets for a nominal fee throughout the afternoon. All proceeds benefit programs sponsored by the chamber.

Treat bags will be distributed to each child in attendance.

At 7 p.m., the New Haven Hose Volunteer Fire Co. will flip the switch on the lights that decorate the lamps and posts throughout the downtown business district and outlying neighborhoods to signal the start of the Christmas Parade.

The parade will form at 7th Street and proceed along Crawford Avenue to Pittsburgh Street to Apple Street and end at the East Side Fire Station on Arch Street.

As in previous years, the fire company is asking those who attend the parade to bring a canned good or non-perishable item to place on its float as it travels along the route. The donations will be given to the local food bank.

After the parade, Santa will take Christmas requests and distribute treats to youngsters at the fire station.

A fireworks display will follow the parade.