Two reindeer from the North Pole (by way of Bloomsburg) visited Hellertown Friday, where they helped Santa kick off the holiday season at Light Up Night in the borough’s Dimmick Park. Thousands of people attended the free event, which was held from 5 to 9 p.m. and also included an ice-sculpting demonstration, Santa’s arrival on a fire truck, caroling and more.
Although he arrived at Light Up Night on a decorated vintage fire truck, Santa easily could have commandeered Dasher and Blitzen for an escort–sans snow, for now–since they were also honored guests at Hellertown’s festive kickoff to the holiday season Friday.
Thousands of local residents packed a chilly Dimmick Park for the festivities, which were organized and sponsored by the Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber of Commerce with major support from the Borough of Hellertown, presenting sponsor Mobile Technology Graphics and approximately 40 other local business sponsors.
Caleb Smith assisted by his family and Hellertown Mayor David Heintzelman had the honor of flipping the switch to illuminate the borough’s Christmas light displays.
Chamber vice president Jessica O’Donnell estimated that more than 5,000 people packed the park, which was lit with luminaries and special outdoor lighting that turned tree trunks red and green. That estimate is partly based on the number of cups of hot chocolate that were consumed, which O’Donnell noted was approximately 5,000.
“What an awesome night!” she said Saturday. “We rang in the holiday season Hellertown-Lower Saucon style! It was truly a great event for our community that was very well attended and had so many fun things to see and do. We appreciate the huge support from everyone who came out for our best Light Up Night yet!”
Other highlights of the evening included live performances by musical and dance groups on the park stage, food trucks, hot dogs sold by the Hellertown Lions Club in the park pavilion, complimentary cocoa and cookies, complimentary songbooks and holiday coupon booklets, local beer and wine vendors, an ice sculpting demonstration, a craft fair that was held inside Dewey Fire Company, pictures with Santa, caroling and more.
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Photos by Chris Christian
Hellertown Mayor David Heintzelman addresses Light Up Night attendees from the Dimmick Park stage.
Pastor Phil Spohn, left, of Christ Lutheran Hellertown shared inspiring words with Light Up Night attendees.
Mayor David Heintzelman introduces little Caleb Smith, who was joined on stage by his family, Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber of Commerce board members and others for the illumination of the lights.
