Bethel Park tree-lighting event receives positive reviews

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Carson Fritz handles an ornament while his mother, Jackie, admires the Christmas tree at the Bethel Park community recreation center during the municipality’s annual light-up event held Dec. 6.

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With a little assistance from his father, Anthony, James Rowsick places a letter to Santa into the mailbox set up at the Bethel Park community recreation center during festivities at the annual light-up event held Dec. 6.

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Henri Choi, 18 months, enjoys his visit with Santa.

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Sabrina Arnold helps her son Maverick make slime at the Mad Science exhibit while her other children, Gemma (left) and Blaze, look on during festivities at the annual Bethel Park Light-up Night event held Nov. 6 at the community recreation center.

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High school musicians perform holiday selections during festivities at the Bethel Park annual tree-lighting celebration held Dec. 6 at the community’s recreation center. In addition, the school’s Top 21 singing group performed a medley of holiday favorites.

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Owen Ayimbota, Nora Carr and Ruthie Carr pose for a photo with Santa during the tree-lighting celebration in Bethel Park.

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Charles and Parker Kelly eagerly dig into the marshmallows and stir into their cups of hot chocolate.

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Elizabeth Osiphchky demonstrates apprehension about approaching Santa Claus and shyly intimates to him her Wish List.

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Elizabeth Osiphchky enthusiastically embraces the Grinch

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Change can be a positive thing. Just ask the crowd that attended the annual Tree Lighting Celebration in Bethel Park.

The free community event expanded duration and activities. From 3 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 6 visitors to the recreation center could visit with Santa Claus and mingle with the Grinch and Elf while participating in activities from writing letters to Santa, sipping hot chocolate, playing reindeer games to viewing displays of gingerbread houses.

“Things went really well, and I think our staff did a wonderful job,” said Bethel Park Council President John Oakes. “The expanded hours and expanded activities meant for a very busy day. There was a little bit of everything for everyone. So, I think it was a big hit.”

In addition to the regular gingerbread displays, area businesses supported that with cardboard houses, and the final marketplace of the year was held in the community room for shoppers searching for last-minute gifts and food items. There was a Lego display as well as a Mad Science exhibit.

Sheila Carr attends the event annually. As she watched her children Ruthie and Nora Carr along with Owen Ayimbota visit with Santa Claus, Carr endorsed the changes.

“It’s wonderful. New and improved,” she said.

“Everything is spread out and it’s not crowded. There’s lots of variety and options for all ages.”

Anthony Rowsick was sure to help his son, James, compose a letter and mail it to Santa. It was the first year that he attended the event.

“It’s very nice,” he said. “We liked the Legos display and the hot chocolate.”

At approximately 6:30 p.m. Mayor Jack Allen with the assistance of Santa and the children turned on the switch that lit up the tree, decorated with garland and enormous ornaments. The tree will be on display in the community room throughout the holiday season.

Sabrina and Evan Arnold wouldn’t miss the experience with their children, Maverick, Gemma and Blaze. They coordinated their visit around the ceremony.

“We love this,” she said.

The Arnolds embraced the changes.

“It was so easy to get to see Santa compared to past years. Kids loved that,” Sabrina said. “We love the extra activities and ability to spread out. It was very nicely set up and thought through.”