Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
It’s official: Holiday season arrives in West Chester
Thousands turn out for tree lighting
WEST CHESTER » More than 3,000 Christmas revelers enjoyed carols, a visit from Miss Pennsylvania and even an appearance from Santa Claus, Friday night, during the traditional tree lighting ceremony, at the Historic Courthouse.
Santa led a spirited countdown down from 10 as the crowd counted along, and then in observance of more than a 50-year old tradition, the tree was set ablaze.
With a wink, and to the delight of the holiday audience, Santa gave an exclusive interview where he reveled that he does his job with “plenty of practice runs and a lot of carrots.”
The interview was interrupted when a small child overcome by the sight of Santa broke free from the crowd and ran to visit. The holiday-goers were pleased as Santa shook hands with the child. The child was then escorted back to the audience by his father who had chased him almost the width of the historic Thomas U. Walter structure.
Two-year-old Layla Miller, of West Chester, was accompanied by her parents Bryan and Abby, while bundled up as temperatures hovered around 44 degrees. She is hoping to find a scooter and helmet, mushrooms, cookies, books and toys under the Christmas tree.
Morgan Lind and Sean Jaquez, of East Goshen Township, made a night out of it and had a nice dinner at Opa after finding a great parking space.
Lind said that the thousands of lights strung up all over the downtown are beautiful. She also noted that the event was a great alternative to the annual Christmas Parade that had been cancelled for the second year due to COVID concerns.
Iconic images of holidays past were illuminated on borough buildings, including the nearby F&M Building.
The West Chester Chamber of Commerce and the Chester County Hospital, along with
more than 50 local businesses banded together to make the twinkling lighting and festivities possible.
The ongoing five weeks of weekend holiday lights and events are called “Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester.”
Miss Pennsylvania Meghan Sinisi made her first visit to West Chester. The Altoona resident, speech language pathologist and Syracuse University graduate, twirled a pair of batons. She will compete later this month in the 100th Miss America Competition.
She said that it was a thrill to visit on such a grand occasion.
“It seems like the whole community is coming together,” she said.
Lamb McErlane attorney Jim Sargent was pleased to see so many bright faces.
“West Chester is open again,” he exclaimed.
Katie Walker, president of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, said that West Chester is great place to be during the holidays.
“We are thrilled to be able to bring this event back to West Chester,” she said. “We are honored to highlight our community and our businesses.”
Michael J. Duncan, president and CEO of sponsor Chester County Hospital presented a message.
“We are thrilled to draw visitors from throughout the region to enjoy our businesses, culture and people in downtown West Chester,” Duncan said. “We look forward to sharing the festivities with our friends, families and neighbors this holiday season.”
Chair of the Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz was thrilled to watch the tree light up.
“It’s so exciting to see the electricity out here and everybody happy and smiling,” she said.
Mayor Jordan Norley watched the tree lighting with his children and wife.
“West Chester is alive and well as exemplified by the spirit here tonight,” Norley said.
Lillian DeBaptiste will take over the mayoral “reins” from Norley on January 3. She wishes everyone happy holidays.
“I’m just thrilled to have a great seat in the house — both physically and metaphorically — as mayor elect,” DeBaptiste said.
State Rep. Dianne Herrin, D-156th of West Chester, thanked everyone who made the event happen and for “a sense of community we all need.”
Ed Breiner, chair of the Chester County Hospital Board of Directors, was festive, while noting that the Chester County Hospital opened in 1892.
“We like our history here in West Chester because we have lots of it,” he said.
Breiner thanked all of those who are working through the pandemic.
“In this season of hope and renewal we thank you for being on the front lines,” he said.
Members of the West Chester University Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band dazzled, with Christmas lights hanging from their instruments.
The Under A Rest Acapella Group from West Chester University was interrupted by eight dongs from the courthouse bell tower to mark the hour during “Silent Night.”
“Joy to the World” was enthusiastically performed by the WCU Gospel Choir and the West Chester Area School District Honors Elementary Choir presented “Jingle Bells.”
High Street, between Gay and Market streets, was closed to vehicles during the ceremony. Since many lingered afterwards, the street remained closed for some time following the 45-minute event.