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Annual event welcomes holiday season

By Rebekah Sungala 3 min read

Hopwood is ready for the holiday season. Area residents gathered Friday to participate in the village’s ninth annual Light-up Night Celebration, marked by the ceremonial lighting of the community’s Christmas tree and the arrival of Santa Claus at the Hopwood Volunteer Fire Department.

South Union Township Supervisor Rick Vernon welcomed everyone to the event and led in the singing of carols for those who gathered at the Christmas tree prior to its lighting.

“It’s great to see so many people out celebrating the holidays,” Vernon said, estimating a crowd of about 350. “We had another great turnout. Our Light-up Night Celebration seems to get bigger and better every year.”

The community Christmas tree, located on Route 40 across from the Hopwood Fitness Center, will remain lit through the holiday season.

Students from Hutchinson Elementary School made the tree’s decorations, and students from Laurel Highlands High School and Hopwood firefighters decorated the tree, which was donated by Cellurale’s Garden Center and Landscaping.

Laurel Highlands’ students, under the direction of teacher Chad Miller, have helped prepare for Light-up Night the last several years.

This year, however, marked the first year Hopwood Volunteer Fire Department sponsored the event.

Hopwood Village Project previously sponsored Light-up Night, but the group recently disbanded after successfully completing a 10-year streetscape and beautification project in the village. The group donated its leftover money to the fire department to be used for this year’s celebration.

Former members of the Hopwood Village Project who attended Friday’s celebration said they were proud of the fire department’s efforts and glad the firefighters were willing to take over the event and keep the holiday tradition going.

Firefighters said they were happy with the turnout and look forward to hosting Hopwood’s Light-Up Night Celebration in the future.

Wreaths were hung along the Route 40 corridor in North Union and South Union townships in preparation for Light-up Night, which had support from supervisors in both municipalities.

In addition to Vernon, who represented South Union Township, North Union Township supervisors Curt Matthews and Rob Tupta also attended Friday’s festivity.

“Seeing community members out celebrating together is great. This is a good way for everyone to kickoff the holidays,” Matthews said.

Santa Claus, riding on a fire truck, arrived at the fire department after the community Christmas tree was lit. Kris Kringle was welcomed by children who stood in line waiting to give him their wish lists.

Treat bags were passed out to children, and the fire department served warm drinks and cookies to all in attendance.

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