Chicora enjoys one last Light-Up Night
CHICORA — At only 9 years old, Jade Callihan, of Chicora, wants to be involved in organizing the borough’s annual light-up night, which she has sung in for the past three years.
But the current organizers said the Sunday, Nov. 26 celebration would likely be the last.
Mary Twentier, one of the original organizers of Chicora Light-Up Night, said after 10 years, the group is looking for someone to take over the event.
“Ten years, and it’s seven months out of the year, it’s a lot of work,” Twentier said. “We have asked people to take it over.”
The finality of Sunday’s event didn’t stop hundreds of people from coming through the Chicora Volunteer Fire Department to enjoy the food and activities offered at the light-up night. According to Twentier, the event used to be outdoors, but the always-uncertain weather pushed it indoors the past few years.
The inside of the fire department still had plenty of activity for families. Organizations including the Cub Scouts, Chicora-East Brady Rotary Club and the National Honor Society served food — all donating proceeds to the family of injured Karns City Area Junior/Senior High School student Mason Martin. Students from Chicora Elementary School sang “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.”
Additionally, there were basket raffles at the event, the Shriners made balloon animals and toys for children, and a caricature artist was drawing families for $5 a person.
“The firemen go out of their way to set everything up and help us with whatever we need,” said Marta Barger, one of the original organizers of Chicora Light-Up Night.
After some musical performances, the light-up night organizers announced the Spirit of Community Award, which this year went to Mark Wallace, pastor of Chicora Alliance Church.
Barger said the organizers recognize a individual each year who improves the quality of life in Chicora. Over the years, Wallace has taught Sunday school in his church; has worked with the Petroleum Valley Youth Center and the Petroleum Valley Food Cupboard; and has helped people around the borough with home repairs.
After recognizing Wallace, members of the event committee led the way up the street to the Loyal Order of Moose for a tree lighting. Wallace started the lighting ceremony by blessing the Christmas tree.
Twentier said although the annual event takes a lot of work to pull off, seeing so many adults and children enjoy the holiday kickoff each year is always worth the effort. That enjoyment is the aspect of the event she said she will miss most.
“It is really nice for the kids, we have Santa … there’s a ton of kids who come,” Twentier said. “That is what we’ll miss, is just doing it for the kids.”
When she arrived at the light-up night with her parents, Jade told Twentier that she was sad the event could be ending, because she has made many memories attending the event the past three years.
“The best is coming here, having hot chocolate, seeing all my friends,” Jade said.
