California hosting ‘Bright Night’ Friday
CALIFORNIA — Bright Night in California will be celebrated Friday with a visit from Santa Claus, singing, crafts and more going on throughout the borough.
“My goal this year was to involve all ages in the activities,” said Beth Baxter, who is heading the event sponsored by the California Recreation Authority.
The night will start with the lighting of the town’s snowflake Christmas ornaments and the arrival of Santa in the cab of a large truck. The activities will run from 6 to 8 p.m., with some overlap in the events, Baxter said.
Santa will be greeting youngsters at the borough building starting at 6 p.m. Family members may take their own photos of the event. Baxter said it’s an event primarily for the parents and grandparents of young children.
Baxter said Santa will stay at the borough building as long as necessary to hear the wishes of the children. The first 70 children at the borough building will receive treat bags.
The entire community is invited to participate in a Christmas singalong led by Lisa Jukes in the California United Methodist Church sanctuary from 6:45 to 7:15 p.m.
There will be more activities starting at 6:30 p.m. at the recreation authority office on Wood Street. Zach Thomas, a theater major at California University of Pennsylvania, will be juggling and teaching others how to juggle. Ellen and Tasha Hasbrouck will be making balloon animals. Children and adults also are invited to participate in pine cone crafts, including making a bird feeder or Christmas ornament.
Jozart Center for the Arts will be offering free coffee from 6 to 8 p.m., with half off most other coffee shop items. An Electric Dance Party will start at 8 p.m. for high school and college students, with tickets available at the door.