|
 Hundreds of people converged on downtown Royersford Saturday night, but it had nothing to do with the spotlight which shone on the borough for much of the past week.
Earlier in the week, crews filmed scenes for the Peter Jackson film “Lovely Bones,” set for release in March 2009. But after the Hollywood stars left, it was time for the local ones to shine as the Royersford Parks and Recreation Committee sponsored the annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting.
“A couple days ago, Hollywood brought some excitement to town,” Mayor David Urner told the assembled crowd. “In my view, we’re entering the most exciting time of the year.”
Before the official ceremony began, Royersford Elementary School students sang several songs to the delight of the hundreds who braved the chilly temperatures for the annual event. School Principal David Willauer noted that more than 100 children participated.
As the crowd milled about the municipal parking lot at Third Avenue and Main Street, children were able to make holiday crafts with the help of Girl Scouts from Troops 72037 and 7578. A table full of delectable refreshments – pretzels, cookies, pumpkin and banana bread and more – awaited the conclusion of the ceremony. All refreshments were free.
Mayor Urner reminded the assembly that the annual festivities take a lot of planning, volunteers and donations of time and food.
Indicating the small Christmas tree planted at the front of the municipal lot, he said, “This tree has one more ring in its trunk and many more I hope.” This is the third Christmas season for the borough to use a live tree right along Main Street.
“Christmas comes but once a year, and when it comes it brings good cheer,” Urner proclaimed.
He invited the crowd to count to three, to signal Borough Council President Tom Weikel to turn on the lights.
After the lights came on, a siren could be heard and the Spring-Ford Middle School Christmas Ensemble broke into an instrumental rendition of “Here Comes Santa Claus.” The fire truck pulled to the curb, and Santa Claus climbed down.
As the children lined up to greet Santa and tell him their Christmas wishes, the ensemble continued to play Christmas tunes.
Among those contributing to the festive evening were Girl Scout Troops 72037 and 7578, Friendship Fire Co., Giant, Amelia’s, National Penn Bank, Amabile’s Family Eatery, Sweet Ashley’s Chocolates, Spring-Ford Chamber of Commerce, Wawa, Pretzel Depot, Baird Catering, Chick-Fil-A, the Royersford Elementary School Choral Group, McDonald’s of Royersford, Open Door, the Royersford Baptist Church Nursery School, Episcopal Nursery School, Robert Strunk and Glen Russell.
|