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 There was a new twist to the Spring City Tree Lighting last month. The Dec. 15 event featured a lot more than just a tree lighting and Santa’s arrival. In fact, even Santa’s arrival had something new.
Events took place along a two-block stretch of Main Street near New Street and even spilled over into Royersford. Even the threat of rain and freezing rain didn’t dampen the festive spirits of the crowd.
As residents gathered around the Christmas tree in the garden of the Cornerstone Building, Liberty Fire Co.’s ladder truck made its way along Main Street, bearing the guest of honor. But this was no ordinary fire truck. Adorning the top of the truck, on both sides of the ladder, were large cutouts of reindeer and a sleigh, providing the perfect setting for Santa Claus.
After he made his way down from the truck, Santa led the countdown for the lights to be lit on the Christmas tree. As he took his seat to hear children’s Christmas wishes, a number of other activities also got underway.
In the front room of the Cornerstone Building, Mrs. Claus read “The Night before Christmas” by the fireside. Entering the building, youngsters (and their parents, as well) were enchanted by the lights and snowflake patterns dancing on the walls. Following the reading, each child received a goodie bag. The production was staged by Magical Sight and Sound.
Down the street, at Christina’s Frame Shop, children could make ornaments using glitter and glue. And in the front room at Spring City Hotel, the youngsters were able to decorate cookies, with assistance from Spring City Girl Scouts.
Back on the corner, members of the Spring-Ford High School choral ensemble sang Christmas tunes as the Girl Scouts dispensed hot chocolate and cookies.
But the biggest highlight of the expanded festivities was the Christmas Express. The special trolley picked up guests at the Spring City Hotel, then took them on a guided Christmas light tour through the borough, pointing out the winners of the Spring City Lions Club Christmas lights contest.
The trolley then crossed the bridge to Royersford, taking the visitors to the Pretzel Depot in the old Royersford Train Station. There, each visitor received a free soft pretzel, shaped like a candy cane, fresh and hot.
Inside the Depot, a small Christmas tree was decorated all in pretzels. Two members of the Spring-Ford High School German Club, Mariah Kemmerer, president, and Kim Diehl, vice president, told visitors about German Christmas traditions. The young ladies noted that the idea of the Christmas tree originated in Germany, and many of the first Christmas trees were decorated with pretzels, fruits and nuts.
Other Christmas traditions which came from Germany are the serving of a Christmas ham, the burning of the yule log, the hanging of stockings and many elements of Santa Claus.
After the trolley returned to the Pretzel Depot to pick up the guests, it drove through several streets in Royersford, highlighting more spectacular Christmas lights. During the trolley rides, vocalist Veronica Chappel led the riders in singing Christmas carols. And each child who rode the trolley received a small gift on departing.
The trolley made three trips throughout the evening, and was filled to capacity each time.
Carol and Jim Campbell, Royersford, brought their own three children plus a friend to the event. “It’s fun. It’s a good night, a good family night,” Jim remarked. He said it was “nice to ride the trolley and relax, just look at the lights. We hope they do it from now on, every year,” he added.
Thirteen-year-old Katie Leonard, Spring City, commented, “It was fun. It was a nice ride.” “It was a nice family time together,” her mother, Becky, echoed.
Reflecting on the evening’s activities, Debbie Hoffman, of the Spring City Hotel, said, “I thought it was excellent.” She noted that Magical Sight and Sound “just went all out, excellent production.” She commended the “good group of Girl Scouts” who helped with the event and the good turnout from the community.
The event was hosted by the Spring City Parks and Recreation Department and Spring City Revitalization Committee.
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