Santa and friends at Hellertown Light Up Night Friday
The first Hellertown Light Up Night event held in the borough’s Dimmick Park was a big hit, attracting a crowd estimated to be in the thousands Friday night, in spite of unseasonably cold weather.
The size of the crowd was undoubtedly boosted by the presence of a special four-legged guest. Einstein the ‘snow camel,’ who became Internet-famous after he was spotted outside his trailer in a snowstorm along Rt. 309 near Sellersville Nov. 15, was at Light Up Night for photos from 6 to 8 p.m.
Hundreds of people took selfies in front of the huge desert animal, who appeared relaxed inside his pen in spite of all the hubbub surrounding him.
One of the highlights of the night included the lighting of the official borough Christmas tree next to the bandshell by Mayor David Heintzelman, with help from Luke Cawley and his parents Lauren and Nick.
Another highlight was Santa’s arrival on a decorated firetruck.
Santa then sat for photos with dozens of local children and heard what they want for Christmas this year.
There was even a “Santa Cam” on the firetruck this year, so attendees at Light Up Night could see Santa on a Jumbotron as he approached the park.
Vendors at Light Up Night sold everything from crafts to locally-produced wine and beer, with local businesses like Saylor’s & Company donating their time and talent by serving up free pulled pork sandwiches and hot apple cider.
Musical entertainment was provided by Girl Scouts and the Saucon Valley High School Band and Chorus, and there were hayrides around the park along with free hot chocolate and cookies.
What was your favorite thing about this year’s Light Up Night, which was hosted by the Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber of Commerce and the Borough of Hellertown with support from many local business sponsors?
Photos by Chris Christian. To purchase a photo of your child with Santa please visit his photography website.
Santa, Jessica O’Donnell and Ricky Gower
Cathy and Rick Hartranft with Santa
The Barndt family with Santa
There were smiles for miles at Light Up Night, especially after Santa arrived.
The Albert family
Einstein the “Snow Camel” got treated to lots of love and affection from visitors to Hellertown Light Up Night Friday.
Girl Scouts sing Christmas carols on the bandshell stage.
Lower Saucon Township Council vice president Priscilla deLeon and State Representative Robert Freeman.
Jessica ODonnell, EVP Affiliated Chambers, Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, acted as emcee at Hellertown Light Up Night Friday. The large-scale event took several months to plan with help from the Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber board, volunteers, local business sponsors and the Borough of Hellertown.
Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber of Commerce President Ricky Gower
Local Cub Scouts
Lisa DiRusso and Franny DiRusso
The big guy from the borough meets with the big guy from up north, proving they are not one and the same person.
“Give Santa a hug!”
Saucon Valley Chorus Director Chad Miller directs high school singers on the bandshell stage at Hellertown Light Up Night.
