Miracle on Main Street Zelie’s largest charity event
One annual event in downtown Zelienople consistently brings out the best of the Christmas season and reminds thousands of how special it is to be a part of a compassionate community.
Donna Zeigler started Miracle on Main Street with a clear vision of drumming up copious amounts of support for local businesses while simultaneously bringing hope to all of those less fortunate throughout the holiday season.
While Zeigler has since passed the torch to new leadership, Zelienople’s largest charity event has grown exponentially, and organizers expect a significant turnout for the 8th annual edition that will be held on Dec. 5 from 4-8 p.m.
“Donna was inspired to look for a way to keep hope in Christmas and bring a night of free entertainment to children who might not otherwise get the opportunity to celebrate Christmas,” said Megan Murphy, who took over as the Miracle on Main Director. “But it’s also to put the focus on the local main street businesses and organizations. For this particular event, we don’t do any outside food or craft vendors and keep the focus all on those local businesses that deserve it.”
All of the proceeds raised from the event go toward different charities each year, with this year’s main beneficiary being the Harmony Fire District.
One of the momentous highlights in the spirit of giving is a coat drive that routinely distributes more than 300 coats to children in need on the night of the event.
In addition, the Kid’s Weekend Backpack program that supports elementary-aged children in the Butler Area School District and the Southwest Butler Food Cupboard also receive critical donations.
“I think overall it’s just a really feel-good event,” Murphy said. “Some years you just might be able to come out and enjoy the evening and have a free night. But when you are able to and you have the means to give back, it’s nice to be able to drop off a coat or give a donation knowing the money you’re raising helped a child have a wonderful Christmas memory that year.”
A live Nativity scene courtesy of a local church has served as the centerpiece for Miracle on Main and is always one of the most popular attractions. This year’s scene will feature a baby camel from 5-7 p.m. in the BP parking lot.
As always, there will be free old-fashioned horse and carriage rides that will draw a significant crowd in between a Holiday Light Up Parade at 7 p.m. that is set to include more than 30 floats.
“The parade just continues to grow,” Murphy added.
Children will have the opportunity to visit with Santa Claus at Santa’s House directly following the conclusion of the parade.
Local businesses and nonprofits will have free children’s activities throughout the evening. In Toto Community Resource Center will host a balloon artist from 5-7 p.m., Spring and Main Café will host cookie decorating with Mrs. Clause from 4-7 p.m. and there will be a new princess experience complete with holiday hair tinsel and live princesses.
“The nice thing about is that families really bring their children out to it,” said Zelienople Mayor Thomas Oliverio. “They love it. Between this and the Halloween, there’s just so many kids on Main Street, and it’s something they all look forward to every year.”
Other family activities include an Elf on the Shelf Hunt in participating local shops as well as a chance to see the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Strand Theatre beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Organizers have also set up another way for the community to donate this year. Attendees can purchase a “Miracle Makers” ticket online at miracleonmainzelie.com that will enter them into a drawing. Only 100 tickets are being sold and one winner will be chosen to ride with Santa Claus in the parade.
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