South Hills communities ring in the holidays
The holiday spirit is alive and well in the South Hills, with a series of events for residents of various communities to celebrate the start of the season.
Bethel Park’s annual holiday tree lighting, which drew a capacity crowd to the municipal community center on Dec. 2, featured performances by the high school jazz ensemble, choral group from Independence Middle School and the voices of children joining in on their seasonal favorites.
This year’s event also featured an appearance by, of course, Santa Claus, who led excited youngsters in renditions of “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Jingle Bells” before sitting down, taking them on his lap and listening to gift requests.
In Mt. Lebanon, Beverly Bright Night took place Dec. 3, with the section of the street containing the business district blocked off for a night of special activities, including a visit by Sparky the Fire Dog, who arrived on a Mt. Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department truck to greet youngsters.
Braving the elements as the temperature dipped near freezing, visitors were able to duck into some of the businesses for warmth and refreshments before heading back out for more celebration.
A featured attraction was master ice carver Richard Bubin, who used a chainsaw to produce all kinds of festive creations, often spraying delighted observers with what no doubt reminded them of snow.
Providing entertainment with holiday favorites was the DoubleTime duo of Ray Boccardi on electric guitar and Tony Impavido on bass.
Dec. 4 marked the return of South Fayette’s holiday parade and celebration, after a year’s hiatus.
The event was hosted by the South Fayette Volunteer Fire Department, where Santa Claus climbed the ladder of an aerial truck to the top of a tall tree, which subsequently was lit. Visitors then went inside to visit with Santa, have their faces painted and enjoy refreshments.
Peters Township’s tree lighting was Dec. 6, outside the public library. Pier Lee, who early in the day was honored for her retirement after four decades as librarian, threw the switch to make the lights glow.
Singers from McMurray Elementary School, directed by Peters Township School District music specialist Ray Cygrymus, performed songs before, during and after the lighting. The library then opened for a night of sitting on Santa’s lap, doing holiday arts and crafts, and enjoying cookies and hot chocolate.